New Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater plays the game his own way TheThe CharlotteCharlotteTHE VOICE Post PostOF THE BLACK COMMUNITY SINCE 1906 WEEK OF AUGUST 13, 2020 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 49 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 Lawmaker demands new postal leader By Herbert L. White [email protected] U.S. Rep. Alma Adams wants Postmaster General Louis DeJoy re- turned to sender. The Charlotte Dem- ocrat and colleague Peter A. DeFazio (D- Oregon) are calling for DeJoy’s resignation or firing after he launched a flurry of reassignments of Postal Service officials Adams last week. DeJoy, a major financial donor to President Donald Trump’s campaign, has no previous experience with the postal service, which is struggling to remain solvent under cutbacks PHOTO | GAGE SKIDMORE VIA FLICKR and competition from commercial U.s. Sen. Kamala Harris’ nomination as the Democrats’ vice presidential pick could energize Black and women voters in North Carolina. delivery services. Adams and DeFazio led a letter signed by 130 lawmakers support- ing the Postal Service. “The United States Postal Service In battleground NC, Harris was established by our Constitu- tion, and this year it will play an unprecedented role in guarantee- ing our right to vote,” Adams said. “However, Postmaster General lends demographic muscle Louis DeJoy continues his uncon- stitutional sabotage of our Postal Joe Biden’s pick for vice president could energize women and Black voters Service with complete disregard for the institution's promise of the By Herbert L. White dates might not have been able to do,” moment – and it is one of the most sig- ‘safe and speedy transit of the [email protected] Davidson College political science pro- nificant steps forward I’ve seen in my mail’ and the ‘prompt delivery of fessor Susan Roberts said. “And not just lifetime,” said U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, a its contents.’” Will Kamala Harris’ selection as Joe say, [Sen.] Elizabeth Warren, or just be- Charlotte Democrat whose congres- The Postal Service has come Biden’s vice president nominee move cause of race because Elizabeth Warren sional district covers most of Mecklen- under fire from Trump recently as the electoral needle in North Carolina? had a lot of support from burg County. “Joe Biden voting rights advocates push for The senator and checks off African American women.” knows what it takes to pick more absentee ballot access due to critical demographic boxes in North Car- Warren, who is white, was the best vice president to coronavirus concerns. Trump olina: She’s the first black woman on a a rival to Biden and Harris run alongside him, and Ka- contends voting by mail – which major party’s ticket, has name rec- for the nomination during mala Harris is just that. Her he’s done in the past – is open to ognition as a progressive challenger to the primary cycle. Harris experiences as [California] fraud. Biden in the presidential primaries and and Warren ultimately attorney general and U.S. Adams and DeFazio have blasted as a former prosecutor whose interroga- dropped out after the senator make her an excep- Please see ADAMS | 2A tions of Attorney General Bill Barr and former vice president tionally qualified and out- Roberts Hurd Supreme Court nominee (now Justice) racked up a string of wins standing candidate to serve Brett Kavanaugh as a member of the Sen- starting with overwhelming Black sup- alongside President Biden.” ate Judiciary Committee made for must- port in southern states. There are 1.4 Delores Johnson Hurd, president of the Coronavirus see TV among political junkies. million Black registered voters in North nonpartisan Mecklenburg County chap- “I think that she will turn out on the Carolina, who make up 21% of the state’s ter of the League of Women Voters, said Black vote in North Carolina in ways that electorate. Harris will break barriers for women in or your life? perhaps that some of the other candi- “This is, without question, a historic Please see HARRIS | 2A Biden pledges $280M in Black media buys Black folks By Stacy M. Brown others. Campaign officials said they will paigns. aren’t so sure NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION continue to add other media outlets tar- Green has also enlisted the services of geting African Americans as the cam- Converging Media, a predominately By Herbert L. White Presumptive Democratic Presidential paign moves forward. Black-owned media buyer, to aid his [email protected] Nominee Joe Biden is ramping up his “We are not taking any chances; the company’s efforts. Nearly half of Black Americans campaign with a record-setting $280 Black vote is very important,” a cam- “This is just who [Biden] is as a candi- would rather stay home with million advertising buy. paign spokesperson said. “We will en- date and person,” U.S. Rep. Cedric Rich- symptoms of a cardiovascular During an Aug. 8 telephone call with gage at a much higher level with NNPA mond (D-La.), co-chair of the Biden emergency than seek treatment for the National Newspaper Publishers As- and other outlets than we did for the pri- campaign, told NNPA Newswire. “He got fear of contracting COVID-19, ac- sociation, Biden campaign officials said mary. We are trying to reach all Black into politics because of civil rights, and cording to a national study. they will spend $280 million for televi- American voters, and we must reach all he understands the value that African An online survey conducted by sion ads, print and digital advertising, as of the outlets.” Americans bring to the country, to the the Harris Poll for the American well as for social media in the run-up to The campaign has hired Truxton Cre- campaign and the electorate.” Heart Association found 45% of the general election on Nov. 3. ative, owned by Terrance Green, an Afri- Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA’s pres- Blacks would be afraid of being The Biden Campaign will also spend on can American media strategist and ident and CEO, responded: “Black Lives treated at a hospital for stroke or ad buys with African American-owned creative director who was a key contrib- Matter. Black Voters Matter. Today’s an- heart attack. A third reported media, including the NNPA, TV One and utor in President Barack Obama’s cam- Please see BIDEN | 2A they’d rather stay home if they thought they were experiencing such an event. Hispanics are even more reluctant to seek medical Curtailed GOP convention plan: Keep distance help at 55% of respondents, with By Herbert L. White speech – were removed from Charlotte “Our top priority continues to be the 41% saying they’d rather stay home during an emergency than [email protected] by Trump after Gov. Roy Cooper would- safety and health of all attendees, partic- go to the hospital. When Republicans gather for the Char- n’t commit to bending Phase 2 rules at ipating vendors, staff and the Charlotte Historically excluded com- lotte portion of their national conven- Spectrum Center. Trump directed those community,” said Max Everett, the RNC’s munities of color are dying of tion, it’ll be in accordance with North activities to Jacksonville, in June, vice president and chief information of- COVID-19 at disproportionately Carolina rules on battling the coronavi- only for that state to be hit by a spike in ficer. “We were extremely thorough in higher rates, in part due to under- rus. COVID-19 cases that scratched those our planning and grateful for our local lying health conditions like hyper- The Republican National Committee’s plans as well. Trump is exploring other partners, including Atrium Health, No- tension and diabetes. Mecklenburg Committee on Arrangements submitted sites for his speech. vant Health, city and county officials and County reported 22,304 confirmed its strategies to state officials Aug. 3 with The committee consulted with Jeffrey other stakeholders who are working to positive cases as of Aug. 10, with the state’s Phase 2 restrictions and pro- Runge, M.D., who formed an internal ensure that the official convention busi- 239 deaths. Blacks, who make up tocols in mind. The rules would be in ef- Safety and Health Working Group to de- ness conducted here in the Queen City 31% of Mecklenburg’s population, fect for the RNC business meeting Aug. velop a safety and health plan for Char- is a healthy and safe experience for all.” accounted for 16.4% of confirmed 21-23 and convention business on Aug. lotte that integrated with local health Six delegates from each state and U.S. COVID-19 cases as of Aug. 5 but 24. officials, health care systems, emer- territory 336 in all – are expected for the 41% of deaths outside of long-term The major portions of the convention gency management as well as state and Charlotte portion of the convention. The facilities in which race is listed. – including the nomination and Pres- federal agencies to mitigate risk associ- delegates, as well as vendors and staff, By comparison, 40% of whites ident Donald Trump’s acceptance ated with the meeting. will follow the health and safety plan. would be afraid to go to the hospi- Please see CORONAVIRUS | 2A

INSIDE Digital edition: Please STAY IN TOUCH Sports 5A Snapchat: thecharpost www.thecharlottepostnewspaper.com Recycle Life 1B : @thecharpost A&E 5B To subscribe: (704) 376-0496 or online Facebook: The Charlotte Post Classified 4B http://tcppc.com/Subscribe Instagram: @thecharlottepost #PaperThursday 2A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 13, 2020 Harris lends demographic Coronavirus or your life? Continued from page 1A and health advocates contend the muscle in NC campaign tal if they thought they were having a hospital is the safest place for treat- heart attack or stroke because they ment of heart attack and stroke symp- Continued from page 1A porters via an email isn’t going to help Joe might contract COVID-19, while 24% toms. The heart association’s goal is national politics. through the Democratic Biden’s already non-exis- would rather stay home than risk get- to encourage people to call 9-1-1 “We do not support can- Party. In criticizing tent chances in the Tar ting infected at the hospital. when needed. didates, or parties, but I Trump’s response to the Heel State.” “This finding is yet another chal- Heart attack symptoms can include: think this election is so triple crises of racial un- More than 700 Black lenge for Black and Hispanic com- • Chest discomfort like pressure, momentous that party or rest, recession and COVID- women leaders from ac- munities, who are more likely to have squeezing, fullness or pain that lasts no or nonpartisan or no or 19 pandemic, he made the ross the country, who sent underlying health conditions such as more than a few minutes. It may go non-political or no, I think case for Harris being a ca- an open letter to media last cardiovascular disease and diabetes away and then return. this is a great pick for pable administrative part- week demanding fair cov- and dying of COVID-19 at dispropor- • Discomfort in the upper body, in- voters to choose among or ner – much like he was for erage of Biden’s running tionately high rates,” said Rafael Ortiz, cluding pain in one or both arms, the for,” she said. “It moves Barack Obama, the nation’s mate – he signaled it would MD, American Heart Association vol- back, neck, jaw or stomach. the cause of women in pol- first black president. be a woman earlier in the unteer medical expert and chief of • Shortness of breath. itics forward.” “I need someone working primary season – are neuro-endovascular surgery at Lenox • Breaking out in a cold sweat, nau- A key constituency the alongside me who is smart, throwing their support be- Hill Hospital in New York. sea or lightheadedness. Biden-Harris ticket can also tough, and ready to lead,” hind the ticket. In response, the heart association • The most common symptom in tap into is North Carolina’s Biden said in a statement. “We pledge to our Demo- launched a public awareness cam- women is chest pain. Some women Black college students and “Kamala is that person. cratic Presidential and paign, “Don’t Die of Doubt,” to en- are more likely to experience short- alumni. With 11 HBCUs – “I need someone who un- Vice-Presidential nomi- courage people to go to the hospital ness of breath, nausea/vomiting and the most of any state – Har- derstands the pain that so nees, Joe Biden and Kamala for heart attack or stroke symptoms. back or jaw pain. ris, a Howard University many people in our nation Harris, that we have your The initiative includes public service Recognize signs of a stroke using graduate, adds an incen- are suffering. Whether back,” they said Tuesday in announcements in Black and Spanish- the “F.A.S.T.” method: tive to generate support they’ve lost their job, their a statement. “As the most language media. • Face drooping. Does one side feel within a key segment of business, a loved one to loyal voters in the Demo- “Health care professionals know numb? Ask the person to smile. Black voters. this virus. This president cratic Party we will bring what to do even when things seem • Arm weakness. Is one arm weak or “North Carolina has the says he ‘doesn’t want to be everything we have to ig- chaotic, and emergency departments numb? Ask the person to raise both most students enrolled at distracted by it.’ He doesn’t niting and mobilizing Black have made plans behind the scenes to arms. Does one drift downward? historically black colleges understand that taking voters across all demo- keep patients and healthcare workers • Speech difficulty. Is it slurred, un- and universities anywhere care of the people of this graphics to show up in safe even during a pandemic,” Ortiz able to talk, or hard to understand? in the country,” Roberts nation – all the people – record numbers because said. • Time to call 9-1-1. If someone said. “Those students – isn’t a distraction – it’s the the road to the White Cardiovascular disease is still the shows any of the symptoms, get them black white or indifferent – job. Kamala understands House will again be pow- leading cause of death in America, to the hospital immediately. those historically black col- that.” ered by Black women.” leges and universities are North Carolina Repub- going to be fueled, and I licans took shots at Biden think that’s something that as a sellout to liberals by North Carolina, or North picking Harris and Carolinians could say: ‘We slammed the ticket as out didn’t mobilize, the Demo- of touch with North Caro- crats didn’t mobilize the lina voters. African American vote “Biden’s selection of Ka- Available only at enough in 2016.” mala Harris demonstrates Democrats have strug- that he is truly beholden to gled in North Carolina’s the radical left,” state Re- presidential elections since publican Party Chairman the late 1960s. Only twice Michael Whatley said in a – Jimmy Carter in 1976 and statement. “When Harris Barack Obama in 2008 – was not blasting Biden for has the party’s nominee his association with segre- NEW! won the state. Obama lost gationists or hitting him to Mitt Romney in 2012, on forced busing, Harris while Hillary Clinton, the pushed racial policies first woman to lead a like socialized medicine, ITEM major party’s ticket, lost to open borders and Donald Trump in 2016. the Green New Deal. Run- Biden wasted little time ning alongside an out-of- praising Harris to sup- touch California liberal Biden campaign Black media buys Continued from page 1A nounced commitment by the Joe Biden for President Campaign is timely and welcomed news for the Black Press of America. Black-owned media is the most effec- tive approach to mobilizing the largest Black voter turn- out in history for the November national elections. The NNPA continues to be the trusted voice of Black Amer- ica.” Richmond continued: “Joe Biden understands the value that the Black Press has always brought, and that is the unvarnished truth directly to Black people in a way they understand it. That is very important, it’s crucial to the PRE-SLICED survival of those outlets, and we want to reach the people they reach, and we want to support them for who they are and what they mean to society. It’s not a secret that for we got here with overwhelming African American sup- port, so this is what we do.” Biden’s live interview with Chavis in South Carolina in February and the subsequent endorsement of Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), help to catapult the campaign. “I got started in the African American community. I got YOUR CONVENIENCE involved in the civil rights movement when I was a kid. I helped de-segregate a movie theater, that kind of thing,” Biden told Chavis. Biden opined that the Black vote would likely deter- mine the next president. “It’s going to be the determining factor in who the no- minee is going to be, and I hope that means who the next Our new Taste of Inspirations gourmet president will be,” Biden pronounced. He added that the Black Press serves a vital role in the cheeses are crafted with unique flavors that political process.’ “The Black Press is the way I did my politics. You go inspire memorable gatherings. where people are,” he stated. “You walk into a Black bar- bershop or beauty salon, and your newspaper was there. It’s who we are. The neighborhood we come from. It’s in- credibly important; you’re incredibly important.” Despite a lack of cash during primary season, Rich- mond said that Biden still spent money with the Black Press. “We did a buy with the NNPA in the primary when the truth is that everybody reported that we were broke, but we wanted to do it,” Richmond stated. Adams wants Postal Service changes Continued from page 1A the new postmaster for removing or reassigning senior staffers as well as rewriting organizational rules that in- clude ending overtime pay that has resulted in slower delivery times, which voter advocates contend would delay election results for days as mail-in ballots trickle in. The day-to-day impact has been especially acute in communities that depend on postal delivery as an alter- native to more expensive private delivery companies. “Since taking office, President Trump has been trying to sabotage the United States Postal Service. He hand- picked the new Postmaster General—one of his most loyal campaign donors, who has no previous experience working at USPS— to do his bidding,” DeFazio said. “DeJoy’s baseless operational changes have already crip- pled a beloved and essential agency, delaying mail, crit- ical prescription drug shipments for veterans and seniors and other essential goods. “Now, DeJoy’s secret removal of the senior officials who run the day-to-day operations at the USPS lays bare his mission to centralize power, dismantle the agency and degrade service in order to thwart vote-by-mail ac- ross the nation to aid Trump’s reelection efforts.” Said Adams: “My friend Maya Angelou used to say, ‘when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.’ The postmaster general has shown us on multiple occasions he is working to dismantle a funda- mental institution of our democracy. He needs to resign or be removed, now.” 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 13, 2020

«PEOPLE OF NOTE Latoya Pearson to lead 100 Black Women chapter STAFF REPORTS Prior to WFAE, Marshall held posts at Ervin is an award-winning journalist ication to the association through serv- Latoya Pearson has been elected LifePosts Inc. and Everyday Health, Inc. who has worked at “60 Minutes,” CNBC, ice on NACM committees. president of the Queen City Metropol- in addition to nearly two “CBS This Morning” and “Nightline.” • Mecklenburg County John Eller itan Chapter of the National Coalition decades as an editor and She has three Emmy Awards for inves- has hired as of 100 Black Women. executive with The Wash- tigative reporting and research as well Department of Social A member of the chapter ington’s Post print and as a Peabody Award and an Alfred I. Du- Services director. He will since 2010, Pearson has digital platforms. She has Pont Award. Most recently, Ervin was a begin on Oct. 12. served in several leader- led or contributed to senior, non-partisan investigator for Eller has over 20 years ship roles, most recently news projects that have the U.S. House Appropriations Commit- of experience in public third vice president of earned awards, including tee. Carter service and social service membership and chapter a Pulitzer Prize and Pea- • Rasheeda S. Liberty was elected programs and policies at Marshall development, chair of the body Award. She is a 25th international grand basileus of the local, state and national levels. He Pearson Nominating Committee, graduate of the Nieman Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. She is currently Davie County manager. communications chair, Fellowship program at Harvard Univer- was elected during the 58th Biennial Prior to that, he was social services di- and chair of My Sister’s Keeper Lunch- sity and a Magna Cum Laude graduate Boule. In her new role, rector in Catawba County. Eller also eon, an annual fundraising event that of the Howard University journalism Liberty, a 26-year member served as division director for Mecklen- awards over $4,000 in college scholar- program. of the sorority, will lead burg County DSS Services for Adults Di- ships and honors six women for their • Dana Miller Ervin is joining WFAE the organization in its vision. service to the community. as the recipient of the Holly and Paul 100th year. Eller has been active in several human Pearson has also served with several Freestone Health Care Reporting Fel- Liberty, a regional fi- service organizations. Among them, he organizations, including West Mecklen- lowship, which will examine American nance director for Ama- was a member of the American Public burg High School Advisory Board, Man- health care. zon, has 28 years of Human Services Associa- tion, president of the agement Education Alliances, Florida During the one-year fel- Liberty experience with Fortune A&M University Alumni-Charlotte lowship, Ervin will inves- 100 companies. She has North Carolina Associa- Chapter, Urban League of Central Car- tigate criticisms that U.S. led the growth of Sigma Gamma Rho in tion of County Directors olinas, Network of Executive Women- medical care is the world’s the Southeastern Region since 2016, of Social Services and Carolina Chapter, and National Sales most expensive, but serving in several leadership roles in- president of the North Network-Charlotte Chapter. Americans are frequently cluding international first vice-pres- Carolina Guardianship As- • Ju-Don Marshall has been pro- sicker. She will also com- ident, Southeastern Region director, sociation. He was on the moted to executive vice president at pare the differences be- and international editor in chief. Board of Directors with Charleston Carter Eller the National Association WFAE, where she’ll continue her duties Ervin tween U.S. insurance • has been elected as chief content officer. markets to countries with to the board of directors of the National of County Human Services Marshall, who joined WFAE in 2017, so-called universal coverage and will Association for Court Management Administrators and Gaston Family has led the newsroom and content explore whether a European system is through 2021. Services (now Kintegra Health). Eller team to multiple awards, established possible – or even desirable – in Amer- Carter, the trial court administrator also served on the NCFAST Executive digital initiatives, and created partner- ica. The fellowship will conclude with a for the Superior Court's 26th Judicial Advisory Committee and served two ships to amplify voices from diverse series about the future of U.S. medi- District, was awarded the Lady Justice terms on the North Carolina Joint Study communities in Charlotte. cine. Pin for outstanding leadership and ded- Commission on Aging.

NC brewing initiative points out industry’s lack of racial diversity By Riley Davis ment also asks participants to commit to “That in itself is preventing folks from Mount Brewing, run out of an incubator NC NEWS INTERN CORPS the long-term work of equality in their in- being able to get into the beer industry,” space near downtown Rocky Mount. Thirty-nine breweries in North Carolina dustry. he said. Brake owns and brews for her company, have joined the Black is Beautiful beer “We felt that it was our obligation to Simmons-Valenzuela doesn’t actively Spaceway Brewing. Beatty, who is re- collaboration, which uses a specially speak up for this cause, and do some- market Dirtbag Ales as minority-owned, portedly the first Black woman to own a branded imperial stout to raise awareness thing good,” said Joe Walton, head brewer he said, because he and his co-owners brewery in the United States, runs Harlem of racial injustice and raise money for or- at Gizmo Brew Works. The brewery, want the quality of their beer to speak for Brewing Company out of New York. ganizations that promote equality and in- which has locations in Raleigh and Chapel itself. But they do work to create events At their North Carolina operation, Brake clusion. Hill, recently joined the Black is Beautiful that help amplify the diversity of Hope currently brews for both Spaceway and But the craft brewing industry itself movement in collaboration with 10 other Mills, where their brewery is located, and Harlem Brewing South under the Rocky suffers from a lack of diversity, both Triangle breweries. make the space more inclusive for pa- Mount Brewing name. statewide and nationally. “We believe that, you know, the force of trons. The incubator space allows for brewers Out of the 333 breweries in North Caro- many together is stronger than just one “There’s no shortage of diversity in to enter communities at a lower startup lina, only two are Black-owned. And craft individual voice. It just seemed like a no- your community,” he said. “I’ve been to cost, Beatty said, thanks to the shared brewing reports estimate that there are brainer, especially at a time when division plenty of other breweries across the state equipment and facility—making it one fewer than 50 minority or female-owned seems so high in this country.” and I can, for a fact, say that you will not option for brewers looking to break into breweries around the country. But barriers in craft brewing make it dif- see more brown folks at any other brew- the craft beer scene. Weathered Souls Brewing Company in ficult to break into the business, espe- ery than here.” “There are ways to get involved with the San Antonio, Texas, started the Black is cially underserved populations. East of Raleigh, two Black female brew- industry in a collaborative way, and still Beautiful collaboration in June. It now in- Dirtbag Ales co-owner Vernardo “Tito” ers are also working to bring craft beer to do what you want to do in craft brewing,” cludes over 1,000 breweries, located in all Simmons-Valenzuela estimated that star- their community and help revitalize its she said. 50 states and 20 countries. In addition to tup costs for a new operation—including downtown. But entering the predominantly white donating 100% of the proceeds to a local equipment, permits and facilities—can In 2018, brewers Celeste Beatty and Bri- craft beer industry at any level remains a organization of their choosing, the move- run as high as $1 million. ana Brake partnered to create Rocky challenge for many.

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PFIZER-COVID-19_C4591001_FLYER-WTE_CHARLOTTEPOST10.63X20.75_V1.5_01AUG2020 Cold water tub. zure on the field. Numerous The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A Those three media reported that he had a Save a life words could have body temperature of 106 de- saved Marty McNair grees. son’s life in 2018. At the hospital, his health dete-

Jordan McNair riorated. The doctors told Marty by asking was an offensive that if his son didn’t receive an lineman at Mary- emergency liver transplant, he

land. During prac- would die in the next 24 hours. tice on an BONITTA Jordan got the transplant but questions extraordinarily hot BEST died two weeks later at the age Sports “ and humid day, Jor- of 19. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020 dan suffered a sei- Please see PARENTS | 6A

We’ve got a new standard, we got a whole Charlotte new coaching staff, so we’re going to go with their standard and we’re going to play ball. football “ Panthers linebacker SHAQ THOMPSON on looking ahead to the 2020 season opens with expectations Even schedule changes, 49ers look to improve By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] It’s anything but a normal preseason for football. The program began preseason camp last week with temperature checks and screenings for COVID-19 symptoms. A year ago, the 49ers’ biggest hurdle was the uncertainty of a first-time FBS head coach . He led them to their first postseason game – the – and their first winning season with a record of 7-6, 5-3 in Conference USA. They ended the regular season on a five- game winning streak before losing to Buf- falo in the Bahamas. Now they face a pandemic and their schedule has already felt the ramifica- tions of a COVID-19 world, with non-con- ference games against Norfolk State and Tennessee cancelled. Charlotte’s game at Duke was moved from Sept. 17 to Oct. 31. The 49ers are scheduled to face Georgia State in their season opener, before open- ing C-USA play at Florida Atlantic on Oct. 3. Their schedule currently has 10 regular season games, two of which are non-con- CURTIS WILSON | THE CHARLOTTE POST ference. Further schedule change is pos- linebacker Shaq Thompson, who set a career high with 109 tackles and three sacks in 2019, inherits a larger sible. defensive role with the retirement of . “I think they need to understand that if we do have our first game pushed back a little bit then we are going to be really careful with making sure that they are fresh, that it’s not going to be an ex- Shaq attacks a different tended camp period,” Healy said. Leading Charlotte’s offense is junior Chris Reynolds, who com- pleted 181-of-291 passes and averaged 197.2 passing yards and 258.1 yards total offense last season. He is on the presea- role as defensive leader son Manning Award (top quarterback in ) and the Maxwell Trophy (Player of the Year) watch lists. Reynolds Thompson takes over for Kuechly as vocal force among linebackers has two words to describe the offense’s By Herbert L. White that’s what I’m gonna do – for him, players, we’ve got some old players, goal: “fast and confident.” [email protected] myself and this team that we have.” but we can’t dwell on how last year Players have been on campus since Shaq Thompson has bigger goals Six years into his ca- went. All we can do is fix this year.” June 15 for voluntary workouts. Healy is than what happens on the field. reer, Thompson is look- Preparing for a camp routine that’s pleased with their work, assessing that The Panthers linebacker put to- ing forward. With Snow built with social distancing at the players came in fit and are schematically gether a career season year last year crafting the defense, forefront has been a change, Thomp- ahead of where they were last year on day with 109 tackles and three sacks after Carolina has scrapped son admits, but it’s necessary. one. signing a contract extension, but was the 3-4 hybrid former “It’s just trying to figure out what’s “For day one, considering the fact that overshadowed by a 5-11 record and coach de- going to happen next,” he said. we’ve had two weeks of basically OTAs, one of the NFL’s worst defenses. With ployed last year in favor “When’s the next thing that’s going to you’re a little bit further along than what running mate Luke Kuechly retired Thompson of the traditional 4-3. As happen and just try to be on the right you would typically be,” Healy said. “Our and Carolina restocking under new a result, Thompson isn’t page with the organization and just guys are in shape. They understand what defensive coordinator Phil Snow, interested in what was. trying to mix and match with the a practice is going to look like.” Thompson is taking on a more prom- “We’ve got a new standard, we got NFL, so I think the hardest part is on Please see CHARLOTTE 49ERS | 6A inent role. a whole different coaching staff, so schedule. “A personal goal is to just go out we’re gonna go with their standard ”You have come in with different there and be a leader,” Thompson and we’re gonna play ball,” he said. groups and you had a couple more of said. “One of my brothers retired last “We can’t talk about last year because your time schedule, and make sure year, and I know he’d probably tell that’s a different staff, and this is a they’re on time but once you get me to step up and be a leader, and whole different team. We’ve got new Please see SHAQ | 6A Bridgewater not into Newton comparisons By Ashley Mahoney said. “I had to do everything Drew and 7,652 passing yards. Minnesota [email protected] did in order to have success like picked him 32nd in the 2014 draft The Carolina Panthers are Teddy Drew, but eventually I learned that from Louisville. He earned a Bridgewater’s team. is Drew Brees. I’m Teddy nod in 2015 and took the Vikings to He signed a three-year contract Bridgewater. I’m coming into the sit- their first NFL North title since 2009 with the Panthers in March, replacing uation, ‘ is Cam Newton. with an 11-5 record. Then a non-con- franchise quarterback Cam Newton, I’m still Teddy Bridgewater.’ I can’t tact play led to a torn ACL, structural who is now in New England. Bridge- go out there and try to be something damage and a dislocated left knee water learned in New Orleans trying that I’m not. I play the game the way not even 30 minutes into a practice. to compete with the stature of Drew I play it. I carry myself the way I carry Jump to 2018 when Bridgewater Brees was pointless, and he won’t do myself. I’m going to live and die by found himself as a backup to Brees in battle with the ghost of Cam Newton that.” New Orleans. There he would learn in Carolina. Bridgewater is heading into his sev- from and form a bond with a young “One of the biggest problems I had enth season in the NFL having played assistant named Joe Brady. Bridge- CURTIS WILSON | THE CHARLOTTE POST my first year in New Orleans was I 44 career games, going 22-12 as a water credits Brady for not just get- With a returning cast that includes receiver wanted to be like Drew,” Bridgewater starter with 38 passes, Please see QB TEDDY | 6A Victor Tucker (9), the Charlotte 49ers are looking to improve on last year’s 7-6 record, the best in school history. ,JCSU alum, former Cowboys star Norman pens autobiography By Melanie Saxton parenting, working on behalf of four SPECIAL TO THE POST former presidents, humanitarianism and Pettis Norman finally got around to tell- marching for just causes,” Norman said. ing his life story. “These were all meaningful milestones.” “It’s taken eighty-one years, but I’m fi- The book captures his proudest per- nally getting around to writing my auto- sonal accomplishment, which was his biography,” says Norman, a former role in the civil rights movement. “I think Cowboys and San Diego Chargers tight it’s important to capture the historic de- end who graduated West Charlotte High tails before my memories are lost to and Johnson C. Smith. time,” he said. Norman, who lives in Dallas, describes In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson his autobiography, “The Pettis Norman requested Norman fly to Washington, Story: A Journey through the Cotton D.C. to help quell the student riots after Fields, the Cotton Bowl, the Super Bowl Martin Luther King’s assassination. He and into Servant Leadership,” as a fond also traveled aboard Air Force One at look back at humble beginnings, a large President Jimmy Carter’s invitation. The and supportive family, a serendipitous book is in the final editing phase as the college scholarship, and 12-year career in nation continues to struggle to achieve the NFL. racial and social justice. “It’s been more “I share the adventures my football than 50 years since civil rights legislation years,” said Norman, who earned the became law,” Norman said. “You’d think JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY nickname “Stone Wall” at JCSU as well as by now that all people, no matter their ethnicity or gender, would be equally Pettis Norman, a Johnson C. Smith and West Charlotte High graduate who played 12 NFL sea- induction to the school’s and CIAA halls valued as human beings. We have more sons with Dallas and San Diego, is the author of a new autobiography. of fame, “but also life after football — en- trepreneurship, marriage, widowhood, Please see J.C. SMITH | 6A 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 13, 2020

J.C. Smith, West Charlotte Shaq attacks a different alum pens autobiography role as defensive leader Continued from page 5A and now they’re gone and I know they buck (he once sold a high-end camp- Continued from page 5A through that it’s just like, you gotta wear would tell me to step up and be vocal. work to do.” ing tent to a young Ross Perot) and be- these monitors and you gotta stay 6 feet And so that’s what I’m gonna do this year As the 10th and youngest child of came the first Black vice president at apart. That’s probably the easy part, even and I think each position has their sharecroppers Fessor and Elease South Oak Cliff Bank. He also served though you want to be close to your leaders.” “Eloise” Norman, Pettis was taught to in the Texas National Guard from brothers, talk to your brothers and all that Without a slate of preseason games to believe in his abilities and develop a 1962-68 and Dr Pepper hired him as stuff but you just got to stay back. That’s prepare for the regular season, Thomp- sense of self-reliance. “We faced prej- model for a sports-related ad cam- probably been the easiest part, and not son isn’t particularly upset over that con- udice in the Deep South,” he said, “but paign. really too hard. We just always learn how cession to the COVID-19 pandemic. He my parents told me I was a child of “That photo shoot earned me the to adapt and adjust.” isn’t fighting for a roster spot, so he’ll God and anyone’s equal. I believed equivalent of three games,” Norman With Kuechly retired, the linebacker take the respite to pace himself during them.” said. corps is undergoing a transformation in the runup to opening day. Norman, an inductee to the Char- After retiring as a player in 1973, terms of players and leaders. Where “The minus is you can’t have the lotte Sports Wall of Fame, was a tal- Norman became a successful entre- Thompson deferred in the past to rookies, undrafted guys or first-year, sec- ented high school player with preneur in fast food franchises, real Keuechly and Thomas Davis, he acknowl- ond-year guys and guys that are trying a good curveball and fastball, and estate, transportation and conven- edges it’s time to take on a more dom- make the team don’t have film to go out even pitched a perfect game in the ience stores. In 1975, he did a short inant role along with free agent signee there and prove to themselves that state playoffs. He came close to stint as a television announcer and , who played with the they’re capable of staying in this league,” choosing that sport as a professional. color commentator on World Football Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders last he said. “On the plus [side] is that we get “There was talk at the time of me sign- League games at Charlotte’s WRET year. a little more rest before the season. That’s ing with the Charlotte Hornets in the (now WCNC) as well as stations in “It isn’t that tough on me,” Thompson probably the biggest thing but I think it’s minor leagues, and several major High Point and Atlanta. said. “I knew I knew my place, I knew my a good and bad thing. Depends on who league scouts came to watch me play He is also a member emeritus of leaders were Luke and TD on defense, you talk to.” as well,” Norman said. “But God inter- JCSU’s board of trustees. vened and set me on a path to the Norman’s autobiography also in- NFL” cludes never-before-published reflec- Right after high school, Norman en- tions of the legendary 1967 “Ice Bowl” listed in the Air Force but was released NFL title game between the Cowboys before bootcamp because JCSU foot- and by Renfro as ball coach Eddie McGirt offered a well as Cowboys teammates Dan scholarship. Norman earned a degree Reeves, Lee Roy Jordan, Bob Lilly and in physical education 1962, the first . Retired Dallas general in his family to graduate from college. manager Gil Brandt also weighs in on The book includes light-hearted an- the game, played at ecdotes as well, including friendships where the temperature dipped to with fellow NFL players including Hall minus-13 degrees with a minus-33 of Fame receiver Bob Hayes, a Florida wind chill factor. A&M alumnus. “The Cowboys lost with just sec- “Bob discovered that I had an irra- onds left in the game, due in large part tional fear of bugs, and slipped to ’s ,” crickets down my jersey at training Norman said. “It was like playing on a camp,” Norman said. frozen tundra, and several of my Rookies didn’t earn the astronomi- teammates flew home with frostbite. cal salaries of today’s players, so Nor- I think it’s the most talked-about game man supplemented his $9,000 NFL in NFL history,” Norman said. income with offseason jobs. He On the Net: worked as a salesman for Sears & Roe- https://pettisnorman.com/book

BRANDON TODD | CAROLINA PANTHERS opens fall Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is comfortable being his own man as Cam Newton’s successor. “I play the game the way I play it,” he said. “I carry camp with higher expectations myself the way I carry myself. I’m going to live and die by that.” Continued from page 5A players to discuss their thoughts and con- The biggest change in camp is adjusting cerns going into the season. QB Teddy Bridgewater takes to COVID-19 protocols. The team will test “It was mainly just about concerns that for the virus once a week and players are players were having with regards to required to have a temperature check and COVID-19—trying to get some questions over Panthers as his own man screening before entering the building. answered,” Harris said. “Nothing too big. Continued from page 5A with the offense in Charlotte to compen- The 49ers plan to test 72 hours prior to We just wanted to make sure everyone’s ting him up to speed on the game but sate for the time COVID-19 took away gameday. voice is heard. I know coach Healy and helping him develop as a player and pre- from typical team organized activities. “It’s just us getting used to what our the staff have done a really good job of paring him for his opportunity, which “If I’m a young guy coming into the protocols are going to be in a helmets listening to us when we feel like we have came when Brees injured his right thumb league right now, it hasn’t been ideal with practice—whether that’s stay off the some concerns of our own. He’s done ev- against the Rams last season. Bridgewater the pandemic and everything, but this is ground, or whether that’s six feet of spac- erything he can to make adjustments for took the Saints to a 5-0 mark as a starter, an opportunity virtually to show I’m ing when your helmet is off [or] even us. We just wanted to leave the meeting finishing with 1,384 passing yards, nine really locked in, and I’m really willing to monitoring reps of who goes against open to how people were thinking and and two . Now give my all to the organization,” Bridge- who,” Healy said. “It’s different, but I what they were feeling, and just to give he and Brady are reunited, not as backup water said. “Whether it’s in meetings vir- think our players have handled it ex- guys some reassurance as well, and to un- and lower-level assistant coach, but as tually when a coach asks you a question tremely well, and I’m very proud of our derstand that if we want to play football starting quarterback and youngest offen- and responding with confidence and con- progression, and how things have gone this season we will. We’re just trying to sive coordinator in the NFL. viction. That shows that you’re studying. up to this point.” bring some positive energy into our “Being familiar with this system has That’s huge.” Graduate defensive end Tyriq Harris team.” been huge, especially with us not being As other sports that have returned to and Reynolds called a team meeting for able to meet in person for OTAs through- the court, field and track, social justice is out the spring,” Bridgewater said. “I had a topic of discussion in the NFL. Bridge- an opportunity to get with the guys and water hasn’t decided on a public display Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer reiterate the language, go over installs yet, but he’s reached out to the family of with the guys prior to training camp. Hav- George Floyd, whose killing by Minneapo- ing that comfort level, that experience in lis police was launched national protests looks forward to winning season this offense has been a huge head start and a reckoning over race in America. for us.” “I’m leaning toward kneeling, but it’s a By Ashley Mahoney realistic expectations for July, they have summer Bridgewater’s first season with the Pan- decision I’ll make,” Bridgewater said. “I [email protected] where the team will be conditioning packets. thers is an unprecedented one. The coro- don’t want to sit here and say I’ll do this COVID-19 has shown when preseason starts. Players who live in the area navirus remains a concerning part of or do that. I was able to contact [Floyd’s] Charlotte 49ers women’s “Do I expect them to be have the option to train on daily life, not just for players, but for their family directly and do some things for soccer where they stand. brilliant [on the field] when campus, where they are al- families and loved ones. Bridgewater or- them. When that time comes [to protest], No one expected a pan- they return? No,” Cullen lowed to work in groups of ganized a three-day minicamp of sorts it will be the decision that I make.” demic heading into 2020, said. “Hopefully we’ll have no more than five with yet campuses closed, sea- an extended preseason to sports performance staff. sons were canceled, pro- build that muscle back up, Coaching staff are not al- grams cut, and it still is not because they’ve lost mus- lowed to be involved in Parents urge more transparency over. cle strength. They’ve lost training. Most of it takes “What I’ve learned from power. They’ve lost cardio. place outside to avoid this is how strong your cul- At the same time, being en- touching more things than ture can be,” coach John gaged mentally means you necessary, which would from college athletics programs Cullen said. “You use the haven’t switched off from thus need to be sanitized. Continued from page 5A with her son, who plays college hockey. word ‘culture’ a lot in sport and the lifestyle and Currently they are focusing The culprit? Heat stroke. He was knocked out of a game and had to sports, but you really do commitment to learning. on soccer-specific running “He was the 31st student-athlete to die be helped to the sideline. Later, when she find out how strong your There’s ways that you keep rather than soccer-specific at the NCAA level since 2000 (from heat saw his coach signal for him to go back culture is. The way the it fresh without throwing work with a ball. stroke),” Marty McNair said. “In all 31 in, Mama put her foot down. players are able to main- too much soccer at them “It’s just building the cases, one consistent thing wasn’t on the “I went down to the penalty box, and I tain connection with one that they’re overwhelmed body back up to learning scene: a cold water tub. [Heat stroke] is a told him my son was not going to play another, maintain a sense before they get back.” how to run, and that may 100% preventable injury and no kid anymore in that game,” she said. of purpose of still working Guest speakers are one sound redundant—‘learn- should die.” Three days after Jordan passed, McNair toward things. We feel, like way to keep the team en- ing how to run,’ but it’s the McNair was speaking via Zoom at an created the Jordan McNair Foundation. anything, culture can al- gaged. North Carolina Cou- type of running,” Cullen event last week hosted by Deborah Stro- His target audience, he said, is high ways improve, but I’ve rage and U.S. Women’s said. “You could go out for man of UNC Chapel Hill’s Center of Sport school athletes because “they are more found in these last three- National Team forward Jes- an 8-mile run, and it has no Business and Analytics. Stroman is also a receptive to listening to their bodies. … four months how strong sica McDonald spoke to the real relevance to soccer. leadership and racial equity professor. No one knows your body but you.” our culture is. They’re team. You’ve got to go out for the The event, “Athlete Safety: The Tragedy, The foundation also donates cold water there for one another. “She talked about her 12-15 minutes of soccer- Trials and Truth of the Story of Jordan tubs to smaller programs that can’t afford There’s a lot of leaning on story, and how late she got specific movements. Our McNair,” gave Marty McNair an opportu- them. each other. There’s a lot of to the national team as a sports performance coach nity to retell his son’s story, and promote Despite his tragedy, McNair, who played support, and the players 26-28 year old single is trying to get them famil- his new book, “Can My Child Play?” which basketball, says he’s not against colle- haven’t disappeared into mother, and having to cope iarized again with the gives parents advice on questions they giate sports. All he wants is for parents to thin air.” with different things that movements that will be re- should ask when recruiters come calling. be informed when the phone rings or What the college sports her teammates didn’t,” quired when they get out McNair admits that he didn’t ask all the there’s a knock at the door. season will look like has yet Cullen said. on the field.” right questions during Jordan’s recruit- Some of the questions parents should to be determined, but the As the 49ers navigates ment. Like so many parents, he assumed ask: What happens if my child gets in-

49ers have bought into that the coaching staff and university jured and can’t play sports anymore? preparing for whatever lies would take care of his son. How many athletic trainers do you have? ahead. “With recruiting, everybody puts their How many full-time staff members are on

“It could be as different best face forward – like dating,” he said. the sports medicine team? of a season as we’ve ever “If you don’t ask me any questions, I “We assumed and trusted that this is a experienced, but they’re You use the word ‘culture’ a won’t tell you any lies.” Big Ten school and everything would be embracing the positivity lot in sports, but“ you really “We don’t have enough transparency,” taken care of,” McNair said. “If it were, I that there will be a season, said Dionne Koller, director of Center for wouldn’t be sitting here, and Jordan “ would still be here. We never want and there is something to do find out how strong your Sport & Law at the University of Balti- play for and work for,” more, and McNair’s attorney. “That’s not another parent to feel what we felt in los- Cullen said. culture is. the parents’ burden. We are trusting mul- ing a child to a 100% preventable injury. Cullen has challenged the timillion-dollar institutions with our kids. Don’t ever be afraid to ask any ques- 49ers to stay mentally …The NCAA doesn’t have any legal duty tions.” sharp. Given that not all to make sure your child is safe. This is a Bonitta Best is sports editor at The Trian- players have access to nec- bigger issue.” gle Tribune in Durham. essary equipment, he has Charlotte women’s soccer coach JOHN CULLEN Koller recounted her own experience