Local

Panthers players somber as they clean out lockers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sunday proved to a rough day for the Panthers and fans all around Charlotte.

The team had a great season only to see it come to a crashing finish after a 23-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

The feeling in the Panthers' locker room Monday was very somber.

The players were still shell-shocked from Sunday's loss.

They wanted it as badly as their fans, but they couldn't stop the red-hot 49ers.

Team members cleaned out their lockers, handing in their gear and signing each other's jerseys.

Many players said they just didn't execute well Sunday.

They had team meetings Monday morning where the coaches spoke to them about Sunday, but put emphasis on looking toward the future.

Channel 9 cameras were there when quarterback Cam Newton cleaned out his locker, but he did not want to talk.

Several of his teammates did express their sentiments of the team.

"It's very emotional; it's very emotional words can't explain how I'm feeling right now. My mind is everywhere. I don't want to leave this locker room because I don't know if it'll be the last time I'm in this locker room," said cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.

Munnerlyn was referring to the fact that his one-year contract with the Panthers expires this season and he's hoping for an extension.

Other team members said they believe this group has a winning combination with a chance to make to the playoffs next year and go all the way, and they are hoping there are not significant team changes.