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Simone Biles Says Michael Phelps Taught Her How To Stack Her Medals


An Ethiopian Runner Protested At The Olympics In Spite Of Fears It Could Get Him Killed

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Olivier Morin / AFP / Getty Images

Marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa raised his arms in an X as he crossed the Olympic finish line on Sunday, a gesture of protest that he expects will make him a target of violence or government persecution in his home country of Ethiopia.

Lilesa won the silver medal in Sunday's marathon with a time of 2:09:54. As all eyes turned to him, he raised and crossed his arms — a symbol that has been associated with protests of the Oromo ethnic group in Ethiopia.

"The Ethiopian government is killing my people, so I stand with all protests anywhere, as Oromo is my tribe," Lilesa said at a press conference after his win, where he repeated the gesture. "My relatives are in prison and if they talk about democratic rights they are killed."

Buda Mendes / Getty Images

Lilesa, 26, told Sports Illustrated that more than a thousand Oromo people have been killed in Ethiopia in the last nine months. If he returns home, he said he fears he will now become one of them.

"If I go back to Ethiopia maybe they will kill me. If not kill me, they will put me in prison. I have not decided yet, but maybe I will move to another country," he told reporters.

Political displays and protests are banned at the Olympics, and International Olympics Committee officials told the BBC they are gathering more information about what happened.

Protests have overtaken Ethiopia for months, as Oromo people have objected to land-use plans, and more generally, the marginalization many of them feel from the Tigrayan ethnic group. Tigrayan people are a minority in the country, but hold many positions of power within its military, intelligence services, commerce, and politics, the New York Times reported. Another Oromo runner previously told NPR he had been discriminated against by Ethiopian athletics officials because of his ethnicity.

After his second-place finish, Lilesa said he's not sure what's next for him — or where he, his wife, and children will go to avoid repercussions in Ethiopia. But, he told reporters, he knew what he'd be doing later that day at his medal ceremony: holding his arms crossed, again in protest with his people.

Luca Bruno / AP


11 Olympic Divers Photoshopped Onto Toilets Because Its The Olympics And Ya Gotta

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Tradition is tradition.

Hi, yes, hello! It's that time again!

Hi, yes, hello! It's that time again!

Thinkstock / Via MARTIN BUREAU / Getty Images

The Olympics! You know what that means...

The Olympics! You know what that means...

Thinkstock / Via Al Bello / Getty Images

Olympic divers badly photoshopped onto toilets!

Olympic divers badly photoshopped onto toilets!

Thinkstock / Via Al Bello / Getty Images

Listen, we all know diving is an incredibly difficult sport.

Listen, we all know diving is an incredibly difficult sport.

Thinkstock / Via Clive Rose / Getty Images


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These Are The Best Photos Of The 2016 Olympics Closing Ceremony

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Tchau, Rio!

The Olympics closed in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday with music, celebration, and an eye toward the 2020 Tokyo games.

The Olympics closed in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday with music, celebration, and an eye toward the 2020 Tokyo games.

Yasuyoshi Chiba / AFP / Getty Images

Fireworks illuminated the Maracana stadium for a final time.

Fireworks illuminated the Maracana stadium for a final time.

Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Dancers wowed the crowd with unique costumes and choreography.

Dancers wowed the crowd with unique costumes and choreography.

Martin Bernetti / AFP / Getty Images

Like, really unique.

Like, really unique.

Ed Jones / AFP / Getty Images


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Speedo And Ralph Lauren End Sponsorship Of Ryan Lochte Following Rio Incident

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“While we have enjoyed a winning relationship with Ryan for over a decade, we cannot condone behavior that is counter to the values this brand has long stood for,” Speedo said in a statement sent to BuzzFeed News.

Speedo ended its sponsorship of US Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte after he "over-exaggerated" a story about being robbed in Rio. Ralph Lauren also announced Monday that it will not renew the swimmer's endorsement contract.

Speedo ended its sponsorship of US Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte after he "over-exaggerated" a story about being robbed in Rio. Ralph Lauren also announced Monday that it will not renew the swimmer's endorsement contract.

Lochte models a Ralph Lauren Olympic uniform in 2011.

Reed Saxon / AP

Ralph Lauren, who at first took down Lochte's bio from its list of sponsored athletes on its website, told BuzzFeed News that it would not be renewing the swimmer's contract.

"Ralph Lauren continues to proudly sponsor the US Olympic and Paralympic Team and the values that its athletes embody," Ralph Lauren said in a statement released Monday.

"Ralph Lauren's endorsement agreement with Ryan Lochte was specifically in support of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the company will not be renewing his contract." Ralph Lauren did not give a specific reason for this lack of renewal.

Last week, Lochte and three other US Olympic swimmers got drunk at a post-Olympics party in Rio, allegedly trashed a gas station bathroom causing ensuing conflicts with gas station workers and security guards. The following day, Lochte told his mother, and later the press, that he and his fellow swimmers had been held up at gunpoint and robbed.

Rio police investigated the incident and discredited Lochte's account of the events. After Brazilian officials said they were ready to indict Lochte and fellow US swimmer Jimmy Feigen on charges of making a false report, Lochte apologized for "immature behavior," but, in an interview with NBC, refused to deny that he and his fellow swimmers were robbed.

“People can see it in many different directions,” Lochte said. “I was intoxicated, so I don’t know. All I know is there was a gun pointed at us and we were demanded to give money.”

The criminal indictment would still have to be approved by prosecutors and a judge before criminal proceedings would begin.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Speedo USA today announces the decision to end its sponsorship of Ryan Lochte. As part of this decision, Speedo USA will donate a $50,000 portion of Lochte’s fee to Save The Children, a global charity partner of Speedo USA’s parent company, for children in Brazil.

While we have enjoyed a winning relationship with Ryan for over a decade and he has been an important member of the Speedo team, we cannot condone behavior that is counter to the values this brand has long stood for.

We appreciate his many achievements and hope he moves forward and learns from this experience.


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Hope Solo Suspended From US Soccer For Six Months After Calling Opponents "Cowards"

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Eugenio Savio / AP

Soccer star Hope Solo will be suspended from the US national team for six months, US soccer announced on Wednesday.

Solo later told fans that her contract with the soccer federation had also been terminated. US Soccer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Solo came under fire for calling her Swedish opponents "cowards" at the Olympics. The Swedish team beat the US in penalty kicks, and Solo later said that she objected to their closed style of play.

"We played a bunch of cowards," Solo said after losing on Aug. 12. "The best team did not win today, I strongly, firmly believe that."

On Wednesday, US Soccer officials said that her conduct was counter to the organization's principles.

“The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players,” US Soccer President Sunil Gulati said in a statement. “Beyond the athletic arena, and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions."

In response, Solo said that she had dedicated her life to women's soccer with passion and tenacity. She admitted that she had not always made the best choices, and she said she was saddened by the soccer federation's decision to terminate her contract.

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"For 17 years, I dedicated my life to the U.S. Women's National Team and did the job of a pro athlete the only way I knew how — with passion, tenacity, an unrelenting commitment to be the best goalkeeper in the world, no just for my country, but to elevate the sport for the next generation of female athletes," Solo wrote. "In those commitments, I have never wavered."

The contract terminates Solo's position on the national team; she may continue to play with her club team, the Seattle Reign, Sports Illustrated reported.

A spokesman for the women's national team players' association told Sports Illustrated the discipline Solo received was unprecedented and excessive.

"We also question whether this action would ever have been taken against a male player or coach, who, in the heated moments after a frustrating defeat, questioned the tactics of the opposing team," the players' association Rich Nichols said. "Needless to say, we will file an appeal on Ms. Solo's behalf."

In March, Solo joined teammates in filing a wage discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer. The suit argued that the women's national team brought in more revenue for the federation, but female players were paid less than their male counterparts.

At the Rio games, Solo was the target of protests for her outspoken social media posts about the Zika virus. Spectators chanted "Zika" at her during Olympic games.

But that controversy was relatively mild compared to previous headlines surrounding Solo. The 35-year-old had faced charges of domestic violence after she was accused of attacking her sister and nephew. The case was later dropped.

She was also previously suspended by US Soccer for 30 days after her husband was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in a team van. Solo was with him at the time and reportedly acted belligerently toward police.

US Soccer officials said the goalie's previous suspension was taken into account as they determined appropriate discipline for her Olympics comments.

Katie Ledecky Needed Help Holding Her Medals So She Could Throw A Baseball Pitch

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Six-time Olympic medalist problems.

Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky threw out the first pitch Wednesday night at the Washington Nationals game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky threw out the first pitch Wednesday night at the Washington Nationals game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Nick Wass / AP

But she quickly realized she couldn't get a good wind-up with all those pesky medals weighing her down.

But she quickly realized she couldn't get a good wind-up with all those pesky medals weighing her down.

Nick Wass / AP


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49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Explains Why He Refused To Stand During National Anthem

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Stephen Lam / Reuters

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick stirred controversy in a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night when he remained seated during the national anthem.

On Saturday Kaepernick said he refused to support a country that he believes oppresses black people and other minorities.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick said during an interview with NFL Media.

"To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Tony Avelar / AP Photo

Kaepernick added that he did not tell his team or anyone else of his decision ahead of time.

“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody," he said. "I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed."

In a statement sent to BuzzFeed News, the 49ers said that all players have the right to exercise their freedom of expression:

The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.

The 28-year-old said that he spent a lot of time considering when, and how, he would make a stand for racial justice.

"I felt that I needed to understand the situation better," he said in his statement.

Kaepernick joins a growing legion of athletes who have taken a stand against police brutality, racial profiling, and the extrajudicial killings of unarmed black people in the US.

In 2012, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and several other Miami Heat players took a photo in black hoodies as a tribute to Trayvon Martin.

Two years later, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins drew fire from the Cleveland Police Department when he wore a t-shirt calling for justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford III to practice.

Most recently, several WNBA teams were fined, and individual players penalized, for wearing Black Lives Matter shirts. The president of the WNBA later rescinded the disciplinary measures.

Some people on Twitter expressed their disdain for Kaepernick's decision.

Twitter / Via Twitter: @monstamatt66

Twitter / Via Twitter: @scatuogno151

Twitter / Via Twitter: @StevenMacri

Twitter / Via Twitter: @phatnutz13

But others applauded his decision and pointed out that it's his constitutional right to not stand.

Twitter / Via Twitter: @Lakay011509

Twitter / Via Twitter: @JasperJay40

Twitter / Via Twitter: @JonathonKamuf

Twitter / Via Twitter: @scottmgower

Twitter / Via Twitter: @ShaneRavello

Kaepernick signaled he knew his silent protest could trigger outrage that may prove harmful to his career or financial interests.

“If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right," he said.


Veterans Are Tweeting Their Support Of Colin Kaepernick Protesting The National Anthem

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“I serve to protect your freedoms, not a song.”

Military veterans are using the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick to show their support for Colin Kaepernick, a San Francisco 49ers quarterback who chose not to stand during the national anthem before a game on Aug. 26.

Military veterans are using the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick to show their support for Colin Kaepernick, a San Francisco 49ers quarterback who chose not to stand during the national anthem before a game on Aug. 26.

Ben Margot / AP Photo

Kaepernick said the protest was his way of shedding light on racial inequality and police brutality in the US.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he said in an interview with NFL Media on Aug. 27.

“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder," he added.

Kaepernick’s decision garnered a wide range of positive and negative reactions. Several people — including other NFL players — who criticized his decision said that not standing during the national anthem was a sign of disrespect to service members who fight for the country’s freedom.

Kaepernick’s decision garnered a wide range of positive and negative reactions. Several people — including other NFL players — who criticized his decision said that not standing during the national anthem was a sign of disrespect to service members who fight for the country’s freedom.

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Marcus Newsome was first person to tweet the hashtag on Aug. 28. Having served in the Army from 2000-2011, he told BuzzFeed News that he had grown frustrated by the discourse surrounding Kaepernick's protest.

Marcus Newsome was first person to tweet the hashtag on Aug. 28. Having served in the Army from 2000-2011, he told BuzzFeed News that he had grown frustrated by the discourse surrounding Kaepernick's protest.

Twitter / Via Twitter: @WinkWestwood


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Colin Kaepernick Has Been Wearing A Pair Of Socks That Depict Cops As Pigs

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took to Instagram Thursday to address photos of him wearing socks that depict police officers as pigs, explaining that he believes “rogue cops” create unhealthy environments.

The 28-year-old football player has been at the center of a heated debate on patriotism when he chose not to stand for the national anthem before a game on Aug. 26, a move he said was intended to shed light on racial inequality and police brutality in the US.

Photos of Kaepernick sporting a black pair of socks with pigs wearing police hats were shared by photojournalist Robb Ware on Twitter on Aug. 28.

In his Instagram post, Kaepernick said that he wears the socks “because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust.”

Ben Margot / AP Photo

He added that he has two uncles and friends who are police officers, and that they “work to protect and serve ALL people.”

He released the statement in order to prevent people from using the photos to “distract from the real issue.”

49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Explains Why He Refused To Stand During National Anthem

Veterans Are Tweeting Their Support Of Colin Kaepernick Protesting The National Anthem

US Soccer's Megan Rapinoe Kneels During National Anthem In Solidarity With Colin Kaepernick

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“It’s the least I can do,” she tweeted on Sunday.

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe took a knee on Sunday during the playing of the national anthem in solidarity with the NFL's Colin Kaepernick.

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe took a knee on Sunday during the playing of the national anthem in solidarity with the NFL's Colin Kaepernick.

A photo shows Seattle Reign forward Megan Rapinoe in 2015.

Don Ryan / AP

Kaepernick, a quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, began his silent protest last month.

Kaepernick, a quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, began his silent protest last month.

Chris Carlson / AP


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Suspicious Betting Clouds US Open Match

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Vitalia Diatchenko, whose US Open match against Timea Bacsinszky attracted the attention of tennis authorities.

Alex Goodlett / Getty Images

World tennis authorities have opened an investigation into a first-round women’s tennis match at the US Open that attracted unusually heavy betting in suspicious patterns, BuzzFeed News has learned.

The match, which took place last Tuesday, was between Vitalia Diatchenko, a Russian player who is ranked 677th in the world, and Timea Bacsinszky, a Swiss player who is ranked 15th. Diatchenko’s loss — 1–6, 1–6 — was not a surprise. But FederBet, an organization that monitors suspicious gambling movement, detected an “enormous quantity” of betting, more than 10 times the amount the match was expected to generate. The betting centered on three possible outcomes based on final score and the number of games. All of those bets were winners.

Betting data is not proof of match-fixing, but in tennis, large bets on specific outcomes can be a hallmark of corruption. Referring to the betting pattern, Francesco Baranca, FederBet’s secretary general, said, “This match looked really, really, really strange.”

Neither player responded to BuzzFeed’s requests for comment on email or social media. Diatchenko told the New York Times she had no knowledge of any attempt to fix her match: “I don’t know what to say, really. I play my tennis.” (Bacsinszky did not comment on the matter.)

Responding to an inquiry about FederBet’s findings, the Tennis Integrity Unit — the international body charged with investigating corruption in the sport — confirmed that it was investigating the match in question. “As with all cases,” Mark Harrison, the group’s spokesperson, wrote in an email, “the TIU will assess, make a judgement and take appropriate action.” He declined to offer specifics, but cautioned that betting alerts, such as that from FederBet, are not conclusive.

Earlier this year, a BuzzFeed News investigation revealed evidence of widespread match-fixing in professional tennis. Since that time, world tennis authorities have convened an independent investigation into the sport’s anti-corruption practices.

During the match in question, Diatchenko was visited on court by a doctor. The player injured her ankle at the 2015 US Open and had only played in three tournaments prior to this year’s US Open, including reaching the semifinals in doubles of a Futures tournament in Moscow in June. She received a spot in this year’s US Open draw through a “protected ranking,” which allows injured players to use their pre-injury ranking to enter certain tournaments.

The Tennis Integrity Unit has reported that it was alerted to 121 suspicious matches during the first half of this year. The Diatchenko-Bacsinszky match is the only one from this year’s US Open that is currently being investigated.

This is not the first Grand Slam match to attract suspicious betting this year. A mixed-doubles match at the Australian Open also garnered a large degree of scrutiny due to line movements that were out of the ordinary. The Tennis Integrity Unit found “no evidence of corrupt activity” after its investigation of that match.

Ryan Lochte And US Teammates Suspended Over Rio Incident

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Michael Sohn / AP

Ryan Lochte and three other US swimmers are suspended from national and international swim competitions in response to a night of partying during the Rio Olympics and a false claim of being robbed at gunpoint.

Lochte will receive a 10-month suspension, while fellow swimmers Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz, and Jack Conger are suspended for fourth months.

The four athletes have accepted the suspension, which goest into effect immediately.

“During an otherwise extraordinary Olympic Games, a small group of athletes had lapses in judgement and conduct that are unacceptable and not consistent with our expectations," USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said in a statement. "When Code of Conduct infractions occur, it’s our responsibility to take action that reflects the seriousness of what happened. Unfortunately, this storyline took attention away from the athletes who deserved it the most. These athletes took accountability for their mistakes and are committed to represent themselves and our country with the great character and distinction we expect.”

Lochte and the others stopped at a gas station on Aug. 14 after attending a party during the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. According to police, the swimmers then got into an altercation with a security guard over damage they allegedly caused to a bathroom, and an armed guard told the Americans to pay to cover the cost of repairs.

To his mother and the media, however, Lochte initially said he had a gun pointed to his head by a robber posing as a guard. The story became an international controversy after Brazilian police disputed the story. Eventually, Lochte said he "over-exaggerated" the circumstances and now faces charges in Brazil for falsely reporting a crime. He is expected to be summoned back to the country to testify in the case.

During the suspension the swimmers will not have access to training centers or other facilities of the US Olympic Committee and will not receive their monthly stipend from USA Swimming.

The four athletes will not be permitted to join Team USA for its White House visit.

Lochte will also have to serve 20 hours of community service, while Bentz will have to serve 10 hours for violating the USA Swimming Olympic Village curfew, that's placed on athletes under the age of 21.

LINK: Lochte’s Teammates Say This Is What Actually Happened That Night In Rio

LINK: Brazilian Police Charge Ryan Lochte Over False Robbery Story

LINK: Here’s How Ryan Lochte’s Robbery Story Turned Into An International Incident


Denver Broncos' Brandon Marshall Takes A Knee During National Anthem

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Denver Broncos inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) kneels on the sideline during the National Anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

Joe Mahoney / AP

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall took a knee Thursday night during the national anthem at the NFL's season opener.

In doing so, Marshall joined the silent protest started last month by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a former teammate of his from the University of Nevada. In interviews, Kaepernick has said he wants to draw attention to racial injustice in the US.

Since then, soccer star Megan Rapinoe has joined Kaepernick in kneeling before games, a move she said she hoped would keep the conversation going. Their actions have drawn criticism from some as unpatriotic and disrespectful. But others — including military veterans on Twitter — have applauded the protest as courageous and an exercise of the right to free speech.

In an interview with The Gazette last month, Marshall said he supported Kaepernick.

"Kaep, he's using his platform how he wants to use it, to reach the masses," Marshall told the newspaper. "We have freedom of speech. But then we use our platform, and we get bashed for it. It’s almost like they want us to only go with the grain. And once we go against the grain, it’s an issue. I feel for Kaep. I understand where he’s coming from, and I support him."

LINK: 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick Explains Why He Refused To Stand During National Anthem

LINK: US Soccer’s Megan Rapinoe Kneels During National Anthem In Solidarity With Colin Kaepernick


People Want To Know Why Cam Newton Didn't Get Concussion Treatment After Taking Hits To The Head

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Football fans have been asking why Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton did not receive more medical treatment after receiving several blows to the head — some helmet-to-helmet — during last night’s game against the Denver Broncos.

The NFL said that medical staff did monitor the hits, but concluded that there was not enough evidence of a possible concussion to warrant further evaluation.

In Thursday night’s NFL season opener, the Broncos narrowly defeated the Panthers, 21-20 — a repeat meeting of Super Bowl 50 earlier this year.

More than the Broncos coming back from a 10-point deficit to win the game, or Newton having broken two NFL records Thursday night, people focused on the number of times the 27-year-old quarterback had been hit in the head by Denver’s defense.

Only one was flagged as a penalty.

Joe Mahoney / AP Photo

The hits didn't do unnoticed.

The hits didn't do unnoticed.

Twitter / Via Twitter: @ProFootballTalk

Twitter / Via Twitter: @Larry_Bohannan

Twitter / Via Twitter: @JamesPalmerTV

The NFL said in a statement Friday morning that the Panthers’ medical staff, as well as an independent neurotrauma specialist, reviewed videos of Newton’s hits during a pause in the game and decided not to take additional steps.

There was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth. During stoppage in play while on-field officials were in the process of administrating [sic] penalties, the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and team physician requested video from the spotters and reviewed the play. They concluded there were no indications of a concussion that would require further evaluation and the removal of the player from the game.

According to the NFL’s Health Playbook, the 2016 season is the first in which unaffiliated neurological consultants (UNCs) have been appointed to work alongside teams’ medical staff members to assist in monitoring head and neck injuries during games.

Newton did not question the lack of penalties or evaluation.

“It’s not my job to question the officials. I really like this officiating crew,” Newton said during a postgame press conference. “It wasn’t something that I know they did intentionally. But it’s not fun getting hit in the head.”

Some of his teammates feel differently.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis told the Charlotte Observer that he thinks that because of Newton’s unique size — at 6’5” and 245 pounds, he is one of the biggest quarterbacks in the league — officials treat him differently.

“They look at his size. It’s kind of like the NBA used to allow guys to get away with that against Shaquille O’Neal because of his size,” Davis told the paper.

“But when you dig deep down into it, they talk about player safety all the time and they need to protect that player as well.”

Just ahead of Newton's news conference, some sports reporters in Denver said that players believed to have concussions are not allowed to speak to the media.

Twitter / Via Twitter: @Rodney_Ramsey

LINK: 96% Of NFL Players Tested In Study Suffer From Concussion-Related Brain Disease

LINK: NFL Players All But Guaranteed To Suffer Brain Damage From Repeated Hits, Expert Says

LINK: Top NFL Official Admits Link Between Football And Brain Disease For First Time

LINK: The NFL Meddled With And Backed Out Of A Brain Trauma Study, Investigators Say



More Athletes Protest During The National Anthem

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NFL players raised their fists or took a knee as the national anthem was played before football games around the country on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

As "The Star Spangled Banner" played at football games around the country on 9/11, athletes joined in the protest started last month by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

As "The Star Spangled Banner" played at football games around the country on 9/11, athletes joined in the protest started last month by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Chris Carlson / AP

Marcus Peters, a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs, held is right fist in the air during the national anthem before Sunday's football game against the San Diego Chargers.

Marcus Peters, a cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs, held is right fist in the air during the national anthem before Sunday's football game against the San Diego Chargers.

John Sleezer / AP


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Football Fans Threw Stuffed Animals To Sick Children Sitting Below Them At A Game

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This is the best idea.

After the match, AOD's official Facebook page thanked fans for the gesture.

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"Our mailbox is flowing full of compliments and thanks to the fans of Ado Den Haag. Of course we'd like to pass them on! We also received some pictures of children who, at the invitation of Feyenoord Rotterdam, sat in the box."

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We Need To Talk About That Aaron Rodgers Touchdown Pass

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It makes no sense.

The NFL returned this weekend, and with it came another jaw-dropping performance from the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers.

The NFL returned this weekend, and with it came another jaw-dropping performance from the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers.

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

Only seconds remained in the first half as the Packers were trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-14.

On third down from the Jacksonville 28, Rodgers was looking to take one more shot at the end zone before the Packers would have to settle for a field goal attempt.

With time running out, could Rodgers pull it off?

And then this happened.

And then this happened.

SB Nation

How did Rodgers avoid the sack? How did he manage to throw the ball that far forward while he was being dragged backwards? How did Adams make that catch? None of this makes any sense.


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Sorry Folks, But Jimmy Garoppolo Is Way Hotter Than Tom Brady

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Yesterday marked the return of American football Sunday. It also marked the first week of Tom Brady's four-game suspension.

Yesterday marked the return of American football Sunday. It also marked the first week of Tom Brady's four-game suspension.

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

We didn't miss him too much though, because Jimmy Garoppolo stepped in to play QB for the Patriots.

We didn't miss him too much though, because Jimmy Garoppolo stepped in to play QB for the Patriots.

Jim Rogash / Getty Images

And he is indeed a strapping young man.

And he is indeed a strapping young man.

Jim Rogash / Getty Images

Somehow the Pats managed to draft a QB who's even more of a smokeshow than Tommy boy.

Somehow the Pats managed to draft a QB who's even more of a smokeshow than Tommy boy.

Christian Petersen / Getty Images

:smirk:

:smirk:

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

:smirk again:

:smirk again:

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images

Here he is being tender and sweet with a tiny fan.

Instagram: @jimmygarops10

So gentle, so kind.

Instagram: @jimmygarops10

More importantly, he's always talking about how much he loves his mom.

Instagram: @jimmygarops10

"The only girl I'll ever need."

Instagram: @jimmygarops10

Jim has really got it all goin' on.

Jim has really got it all goin' on.

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images

Sorry Tom, but you have been dethroned by your own QB2.

Sorry Tom, but you have been dethroned by your own QB2.

Al Bello / Getty Images

Fleener gets it.

Fleener gets it.

Twitter: @Fleener23

In conclusion, football is back and Jimmy is hot.

In conclusion, football is back and Jimmy is hot.

Jim Rogash / Getty Images



These Paralympians Ran The 1500 Faster Than Anyone At The Rio Olympics

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Even the fourth place time would have been good enough for Olympic gold.

There's fast and then there's blazing, which is what the men's 1500-meter final at the Paralympic Games was on Sunday.

There's fast and then there's blazing, which is what the men's 1500-meter final at the Paralympic Games was on Sunday.

Alexandre Loureiro / Getty Images

The race at Rio's Olympic Stadium was part of the T13 class, which is a classification for athletes with a visual impairment. The breakneck pace the racers set was so fast that the fourth place time of 3:49:59 would have been enough to win gold at the Rio Olympics, where the winning time was 3:50.

The race at Rio's Olympic Stadium was part of the T13 class, which is a classification for athletes with a visual impairment. The breakneck pace the racers set was so fast that the fourth place time of 3:49:59 would have been enough to win gold at the Rio Olympics, where the winning time was 3:50.

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You read that right, the fourth place finisher at the Paralympics would have had a time fast enough to win gold at the Olympics.

You read that right, the fourth place finisher at the Paralympics would have had a time fast enough to win gold at the Olympics.

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

The winner, Abdellatif Baka of Algeria, set a world record of 3 minutes, 48.29 seconds, followed by Tamiru Demisse of Ethiopia, who crossed the line at 3:48.49, and Henry Kirwa of Kenya, with a third-place time of 3:49.59.

The winner, Abdellatif Baka of Algeria, set a world record of 3 minutes, 48.29 seconds, followed by Tamiru Demisse of Ethiopia, who crossed the line at 3:48.49, and Henry Kirwa of Kenya, with a third-place time of 3:49.59.

Alexandre Loureiro / Getty Images


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