NFL monitoring protests ahead of Panthers’ game

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Thomas Davis said the Carolina Panthers’ game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings should “absolutely” be played as scheduled, even with the city being under a state of emergency due to violent protests over a recent police shooting.

The All-Pro linebacker said football has a unique way of bringing people together and believes the game is something the community needs.

“If you take this game away I think it is going to just continue to add to the stress and add to what is already going on in a negative way,” Davis said Thursday.

Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in Charlotte on Wednesday night and has sent the National Guard and state troopers in to help restore peace after two nights of looting and rioting.

The NFL said its plans are for the game to be played as scheduled, although it will continue to monitor the ongoing violent protests.

Panthers president Danny Morrison said in a statement Thursday that the team is “in contact with government officials, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the NFL. We are continuing to monitor events as we prepare for Sunday’s home game.”

Davis isn’t alone in his belief that the game should be played. Eight Carolina players questioned and coach Ron Rivera all said they believe the game should go on, although tight end Greg Olsen said his family may be more cautious on Sunday.

“My wife usually takes the kids uptown and they tailgate with family and friends, but we said maybe this week we should just come to the game, park in our lot and go up to your seats and get settled in,” Olsen said. “Is it worth moseying around in a town that is in such a heightened state of chaos?”

Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, who played five seasons for the Panthers and still owns a home in Charlotte, said Thursday he’s a little nervous about coming home for the game.