Panthers' Newton Bothered By Series of Questions

Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton became visibly bothered Tuesday when he was asked a series of questions about black quarterbacks.

"It's not an issue," Newton told a reporter when asked about the stereotype of black quarterbacks. "It's an issue for you."

This was the third straight question on the subject during Newton's 30-minute media availability for Super Bowl 50.

Newton, considered the favorite to win the NFL MVP award, made it clear he believes race is not an issue as he prepares to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

"I don't even want to touch on the topic of black quarterback, because I think this game is bigger than black, white or even green," Newton said from the team hotel.

"So I think we limit ourselves when we just label ourselves just black, this, that and the third."

Newton has referred to his race throughout the season. He did so again last week.

"I've said this since day one," Newton said last week. "I'm an African-American quarterback that scares people because they haven't seen nothing that they can compare me to."

Newton said on Tuesday he wanted to bring awareness "because of that."

"But yet I don't think I should be labeled just a black quarterback, because it's bigger things in this sport that need to be accomplished," he said.

Broncos Rookie Safety Sent Home

Denver Broncos rookie safety Ryan Murphy and his brother were detained and questioned Tuesday as part of a prostitution sting in San Jose, California.

Murphy eventually was released and was not charged in the incident. The Broncos have sent Murphy home.

"Although practice squad safety Ryan Murphy was not cited by police, we decided it was best for the team if we continued our preparations for Super Bowl 50 without him," Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said in a statement. "Ryan is returning to Denver but his status as a practice squad player has not changed at this time."

The San Jose Mercury News reported that the sting involved Murphy's brother and was conducted by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Police. The paper, citing sources, said the pair was questioned by sheriff's deputies Tuesday evening at a Motel 6 in north San Jose.

Murphy's brother, according to multiple reports, was cited for solicitation.

A spokesman for the Santa Clara County Sheriff would not comment on the citation, but told the newspaper that the county's human-trafficking task force had been conducting recent stings in the area and had cited 10 men for solicitation.

Sunday, February 7 Schedule (Time Central)

5:30 p.m., CBS, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara    

SUPER BOWL 50