During a break at his foundation’s 7 v 7 football tournament Thursday afternoon, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton explained why he visited the families of victims of last week’s church shootings in Charleston.

“Out of respect of the families, I didn’t want to say anything too much about it. What was done, it was done. I didn’t want to be a distraction by no means; I just wanted to show my respect.

“One thing we have to realize in this life is we have to use our influence in a positive way, and that’s all I was trying to do.

“It was a senseless act, but at the same time, it was done in South Carolina. Being the face of a franchise that’s based out of North Carolina, it’s the whole gamut.

“So why didn’t I go? That’s the thing I would have had to question myself if I didn’t go. I’m happy I did it, and so much respect to those families who lost their loved ones.”