(Image Source: The Charlotte Observer)

BY CHRISTINA MARTIN
 

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Cam Newton is the new face of the Carolina Panthers, and owner Jerry Richardson wants that face to stay accessory free.


“I said we want to keep no tattoos, no piercings and I think you’ve got a very nice haircut. You sound like a Lombardi. No, I, it just sounded reasonable to me.”


Richardson’s comments raised questions as to whether a team owner should be telling an adult how to dress themselves. Is he taking the dress code too far? AOL Fanhouse writer  David Whitely agrees with Richardson’s position on appearance.


“His job is to build a winning franchise, and he hasn’t been very good at it lately. But a big part of doing better is his new, effervescent 22-year-old quarterback. Richardson wants that face to appeal to as many people as possible. That doesn’t sound all that unreasonable to me.”



But those who disagree with Richardson’s rules say on field performance has nothing to do with a player’s appearance.


“None of those "body accessories" can make Newton's play at quarterback any better or any worse and they won't make the fan base plummet or skyrocket. Newton's a grown man and he shouldn't be told what he can and can't do with his body "because he's the face of the franchise."


But the NFL landscape is full of tattoos and piercings, and ESPN’s Mike Golic points out the choice is ultimately up to Newton.

“There’s a few ways to go here...the guy’s gonna pay you $24 million, if that’s what he wants, you know, that’s what you should probably do. But there’s a side I’m sure most people are going to lean on, and say wait a minute, that’s a 22 year old guy who’s playing in the NFL. If he wants to go out and get a tattoo, he can get a tattoo.”


If Newton does decide to ignore Richardson’s requests, Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Chase says the consequences will probably depend on the circumstances.


“If he goes 2-14 this year, it might cause a stink if he shows up with a sleeve on his left arm next year. If Cam goes 11-5, throws for 20 touchdowns and runs for eight more, he can tatt up like Lil Wayne,and...declare that North Carolina barbecue is inferior to Kansas City's and nobody in Charlotte, especially Jerry Richardson, will care.”

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