Harris-Perry: Cam Newton ‘Unapologetically Black,’ the Serena Williams of Football

On Saturday’s “Melissa Harris-Perry” on MSNBC, host Melissa Harris-Perry reacted to Carolina Panthers star quarterback Cam Newton’s response to criticism of his on-field celebrations that some people may be scared by the fact that he is an African-American quarterback that cannot be compared to any other quarterbacks.

Harris-Perry said Newton is “unapologetically black” at a position “historically reserved for white men,” which makes him the “Serena Williams of football.” She added that both are met with defiance, especially when they win.

“The very notion of Cam Newton being unapologetically black in a position historically reserved by white men, makes him the Serena Williams of football. Like Serena, Cam is met with defiance when he plays, when he expresses his emotion and especially when he wins. But he just keeps on dancing and charming and leading, and that in itself is a kind of defiance. And what’s Cam’s response to all the haters? ‘If you don’t like me dancing in the end zone, then just try to keep me out of it.'”

In the 2015 season, almost 20 African-American quarterbacks either started in the NFL or held backup positions. This Super Bowl marks the fourth straight Super Bowl that an African-American quarterback will start for one of the teams, with Newton being the third different African-American starter in the big game.