As it turns out, the thread title was brilliant click bait.
The NFL is not racist (for those who may have thought my responses meant I thought so).
But, there is a legitimate topic concerning how the refs treat Newton. IMHO, it's not Newton specifically, but the style of QB. His style is more conducive to a running back and I think the refs give some leeway to the defense given his ability and propensity for tucking the ball and running.
With that said, they really screwed up Thursday night. There was some clear head hunting going on. I have no doubt that the number of roughing the passer calls will increase on Sunday.