NFL Notes: Cam Newton, Broncos Ownership, Richard Sherman

Cam Newton

Patriots QB Cam Newton said he’s eager to prove he’s still capable of succeeding as a starting quarterback, describing the upcoming season as “put-up or shut-up time.”

“I know who I am. At times, I do remind myself people forget who you are, and what you’ve done. So now I’m a position now where I need to be my best self. It’s really put-up or shut-up time,” said Newton, via Mike Reiss.

Newton said he’s grateful for his experience with the Patriots and reiterated that he must produce in 2021. 

“For me, the Patriots’ organization has been impeccable,” Newton said, via Reiss. “So my time there has been everything I could have asked for. I guess it’s now time for me to uphold my end of the bargain, through and through.”

Broncos Ownership

• Kevin Vaughan reports Pat Bowlen‘s daughters’ lawsuit against the trust in charge of the team has been dismissed by the court.
• The Athletic’s Daniel Kaplan says the trust has received offers to buy the Broncos in recent months. 
• CEO Joe Ellis released this statement regarding the Pat Bowlen Trust: “Regarding the future of the Denver Broncos’ organization, our No. 1 priority remains a timely, responsible and orderly determination of Broncos ownership. There are no changes w/the operation of the team, which is completely focused on a successful 2021 season.” (Mike Klis)

Richard Sherman

Free agent CB Richard Sherman was released from jail without bail on Thursday. 

“I see Mr. Sherman is a pillar in this community, he’s a business owner, he’s a husband, he’s a father,” the judge said, per Amy Dash. “I’m gonna release Mr. Sherman.”

• The picture surrounding what happened with veteran CB Richard Sherman on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning is becoming clearer as more details emerge from the police and Sherman’s family.
• Sherman was arrested and charged with burglary domestic violence and other charges related to a vehicle crash and damage done to the front door of his in-laws’ residence. The burglary DV charge is only because Sherman attempted to enter his family member’s residence, he did not commit any acts of violence. An explanation of the charge in Washington state can be found here.
• An ESPN report has more details after obtaining audio of the 911 call appearing to be made by Sherman’s wife, Ashley Sherman. She described Sherman as being “drunk and belligerent” and added he was “threatening to kill himself.”
• Ashley Sherman also told the 911 dispatcher that Sherman was “being aggressive,” wrestled with her uncle and “sent text messages to people saying he’s going to hang himself.” She can be heard trying to stop him from leaving the house and said Sherman had drunk two bottles of hard alcohol. 
• Ashley Sherman told the dispatcher to tell police not to shoot when they arrived and that Sherman had told her he would fight the police if they showed up. 
• Police also received 911 calls from the scene of the accident where Sherman wrecked his car in a construction zone and from his in-laws’ house in Redmond. Per ESPN, upon arriving at the house in Redmond, police tried to develop a rapport with Sherman, but the situation devolved when they told him they had probable cause to arrest him. He started walking away and the police released a dog to subdue him and complete the arrest. 
• 49ers GM John Lynch said he reached out to Sherman and his wife to let them know the organization will be supportive of their situation: “More than anything, just praying for them. They’re good people. Just praying that they find their way through this and we’ll support them any way we can.” (Matt Maiocco)