CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a press conference at Bank of America Stadium Wednesday Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was nothing less than entertaining.
Newton refused to answer five questions by reporters and instead gave the same response: "My main focus right now is focusing on the Detroit Lions. I think I've got my hands full trying to find ways to stay protected by Donkey Kong Suh and my fellow Auburn teammate Nick Fairley."
WATCH: Cam Newton preparing for "Donkey Kong" Suh (short version)
WATCH: Cam Newton repeatedly refers to Lion's DT as 'Donkey Kong Suh' (long version)
Newton repeated the statement five separate times. He was referring to the Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
Later in the evening, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson cried while addressing domestic violence at an awards ceremony.
WATCH: Jerry Richardson weeps while addressing domestic violence issue
"When it comes to domestic violence, my stance is not one of indifference," Richardson said while getting very emotional. "I stand firmly against domestic violence plain and simple."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell canceled his appearance at the awards ceremony after a law enforcement official said he sent a video of Ray Rice to an NFL executive five months ago, while league executives have insisted they didn't see the violent images until this week.
The former Baltimore Raven's running was released from the team and suspended indefinitely by the NFL after video surfaced Monday of him punching his then-fiancée in the face knocking her out in an elevator.
GRAPHIC VIDEO: Ray Rice appears to punch fiancee in the face
Earlier this summer, Panthers Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy was convicted on two counts of domestic violence. Hardy was absent from practice Wednesday and head coach Ron Rivera said he was excused from practice to meet with this lawyer.
Questions surround Panthers Hardy amid domestic violence issues
Hardy is appealing the conviction.
Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers also remains active while he is being investigated for abuse allegations.
Newton returns to practice, will play Sunday
A smiling Newton returned to practice Wednesday, throwing the football with good velocity.
Wearing a thick, protective flak jacket, the Panthers fourth-year quarterback participated in the first 20 minutes of practice open to the media on Wednesday. He lined up with the first team offense as expected and didn't seem to have any problems throwing.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday he expected Newton to start against the Detroit Lions on Sunday after missing the season opener at Tampa Bay with a rib injury. Derek Anderson filled in for Newton and threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 2014.
It was the first missed start for Newton since coming into the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2011.