READ ORIGINAL STORY: Cam Newton injures back in crash near uptown
Newton makes statement on social media
"I know one thing, You should be ashamed of yourself if you are holding a grudge against someone, "IF" you don't tell the people that's close and dear to you that you love them every chance you get. If you're mad because something didn't go your way today, life is too short for you not to appreciate it to the fullness, through the good and bad."
Newton posted his thoughts to Instagram Wednesday night in the aftermath of the wreck. Here is a link to the full post shared to Newton's Facebook page.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was released from Carolinas Medical Center at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, a team spokesman said.
Panthers public relations coordinator Charlie Dayton said Newton's spirits were high, according to his family. Dayton said Newton's mother and father were at the hospital with him.
Dayton said Newton has some stiffness and soreness. His health will be treated on a day-to-day basis.
Newton thanked everyone for their well wishes and thanked the staff at CMC for the great care he received.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police released a crash report on the accident involving Newton. In the report, police identified the other driver involved in the crash as Nestor Pellot Jr., 46.
According to the report, nobody was cited in the crash.
Channel 9 talked to an eyewitness who may have given the most accurate account. Josh Wrona was driving behind the quarterback's truck. He said he never saw Newton's truck flip but it was a collision that was out of control.
"I've never been a witness to a car accident like that before and I didn't know what to expect," Wrona said.
Wrona got an even bigger surprise when he realized who was behind the wheel of the truck.
"The gentleman rolled over on his side, and it's Cam," Wrona said. "I thought to myself, 'Wow, this is more interesting than I thought it was going to be.'"
Wrona helped police craft an accident report that related how the crash played out.
According to the report, Newton's 1998 Dodge truck was heading down Church Street when Nestor Pellot's 2013 Buick sedan pulled away from a stop sign on Hill Street.
He told police that he didn't see Newton coming. Police said Newton swerved, but Pellot, 46, hit Newton's back left tire, causing his truck to spin and then flip on the driver's side.
Wrona saw it slide, then stop before Newton climbed out a back window.
"He seemed to be in a little bit of pain, a little dazed," Wrona said.
The report didn't indicate that anyone would be cited for the crash or specifically point out who was at fault. Wrona said that regardless of celebrity or status, he's glad that everyone involved in the crash is fine.
"At that point, you are just hoping that the person is OK regardless of who they are," Wrona said.
Pellot, has also been released from the hospital. We tried to reach him, but haven't heard back.
Newton's car was traveling 35 mph and Pellot's car was traveling 20 mph at the time of impact.
"I'm just thankful he was wearing a seatbelt and everyone involved is all right," Panthers General Manager Dave Gettleman said.
Gettleman said he still has no details of what happened or when Newton will return to action.
Rivera says Derek Anderson will start
Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera told reporters Wednesday that Derek Anderson will start Sunday vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rivera said he visited Newton at the hospital Tuesday. He said Newton was OK, but feels like he let the team down.
RAW: Panthers' Head Coach Ron Rivera says Cam won't play Sunday
Newton was headed to the stadium when the crash occurred, Rivera said. The coach said Newton is at the stadium every Tuesday.
Rivera said he expects Newton to meet with team doctors and head trainer Ryan Vermillion Thursday to begin treatment and figure out a recovery timetable.
WATCH: Derek Anderson to start Sunday
When asked about how much pain Newton was experiencing, Rivera said, "I kind of felt he was in pain, but with him it's so hard to tell. He has a way of flashing that smile to let you know everything is OK, and when he did smile and flash it, I knew he was going to be OK."
Rivera said they will take Newton's status day by day.
Anderson told reporters that he is prepared to start.
RAW: Derek Anderson says just driving in Charlotte is dangerous
When asked about the intersection where the crash occurred, Anderson said, "Just driving in Charlotte is dangerous."
Newton's teammates react to crash
As fans were scrambling to find information on Newton's condition on social media, his teammates were doing the very same thing -- frightened and concerned, fearing the worst.
Pictures from the accident scene were enough to send a scare through Newton's teammates.
There were a few tense hours knew after their quarterback was involved in the violent collision.
WATCH: Newton's teammates share concerns over their QB
Cornerback Bene Benwikere lives near the intersection and heard about the accident from neighbors downstairs.
Meanwhile other teammates were frantically trying to find out news about their quarterback.
"I was scared. The first thing I heard was what I saw on Twitter, so for me I was devastated," said Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. "I just wanted to see about his well-being once I found out he was OK, that was a relief."
Just not knowing what was going on, seeing photographs. I heard he was fine, when I saw the pictures I instantly prayed for my guy Cam," said Panthers offensive tackle Byron Bell.
"To hear about your quarterback being in an accident like that you take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. It's bigger than football when it comes down to it," said Panthers safety Thomas Decoud.
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