Seahawks’ Michael Bennett doesn’t want to be told to ‘stick to football’
Michael Bennett is nearly as well known for his humorous nature as he is for being one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. But he’s got a serious side to him, as well.
The outspoken Seahawks defensive end joined Brock Huard and guest co-host Gee Scott on 710 ESPN Seattle Friday, and when the subject turned to athletes making political statements, Bennett didn’t shy away.
Bennett has been active on social media in recent weeks following the deaths of Alton Sterling in Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota by police officers, which prompted protests by Black Lives Matter groups around America. Scott noted to Bennett that his posts had received plenty of comments telling him to “stick to football” then asked what message that sends to him.
“When people tell me to stick to football and don’t speak on things that are going on, they’re basically telling me … don’t be black. That’s not your problem. You’re not a part of that black community, you’re a part of the other black community – the NBA black community, the NFL black community. You know, the get-to-have-it-all black community. So forget about the other black community,” Bennett said.
Bennett hasn’t been the only star athlete to speak up lately, with NBA players Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade being among the more notable. But he warned that by adding their voice to the cause, there’s a greater responsibility they need to own up to, and that it’s all too common for sports figures to fall short in that aspect.
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