Marcus Ball: Was I Cut by the Panthers for Making a Gesture During the Anthem?

Sports Illustrated ^ | January 7, 2018 | Marcus Ball

[EdnaMode]

I missed the call and didn’t think much of it. It was the last Tuesday in September of 2016. Two days before that—and after more than a year on the practice squad—I had just dressed for my first game for the Carolina Panthers. We lost to the Minnesota Vikings at home. But I was thrilled to have earned my right to be on the active roster.

The missed call came from the Panthers offices, which wasn’t unusual. I knew so many people there—teammates and coaches, but also regular folks in the offices— on a first-name basis. This call, though, wasn’t social. It wasn’t one of my position coaches either. There was no voicemail, but then I got a text from the same number. I was summoned to the office and told to bring my playbook.

Football is a business. We all know that. Especially guys on the practice squad. But this seemed strange. I had just been promoted and dressed for my first game. And I hadn’t done anything that anyone would consider wrong. At least not during the game.

[nickcarraway]

I don't like the kneeling, but cutting a guy because he acknowledged God? It doesn't sound to me like what he did is offensive at all.

They fined one player for wearing a Christian shirt. Is this the start of banning all Christians?

[Professional]

f/nfl....

[pfflier]

Yup...nasty break jerk.

[SaveFerris]

[ Any relationship to the Ball Family Baltic Basketball Circus? ]

I have never heard of them. Sounds like that’s a good thing.

[SaveFerris]

And here I thought you were joking, LOL.....

[Reynoldo]

They’re being cutting-edge cool.

[Ciexyz]

Everyone answers to someone and must watch their step.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Responsibility2nd (msg 8).

[bmwcyle]

Crocodiles are shedding tears all over the world.

[Responsibility2nd]

From post 8  Ball was accused of threatening New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. while holding a baseball bat on the field prior to the game on December 20, 2015.[9]

 

This. This is what Odell is most famous for. Remember this? While others kneel - he lifts a leg like a dog.

I guess Ball ain't all that bad. lol

[SunkenCiv]

Maybe Ball connected with that bat, a head injury might explain it. Y’know, assuming brain damage is even possible with most NFL kneelers.

[GOPJ]

I don’t give a damn about his pity party...