On Sunday, Michael Bennett, of the Seattle Seahawks started to make headlines, as he became the latest NFL player to sit during the National Anthem.
According to NFL.com, like Colin Kaepernick, Bennett took action against the injustices many minorities face, by deciding not to stand during the National Anthem during a preseason game against the Chargers.
Following the game, Bennett spoke with reporters and explained his decision. He said, “I hope that I can activate everybody to get off their hands and feet and go out into the communities and push helping each other. Sit down with somebody that’s the opposite sex, sit down with somebody that’s the opposite race, different religion and understand that people are different and go out and join the community and try to change the society, change what you’re a part of. If you don’t like it, keep changing it.”
Bennett also mentioned that the recent racial protests in Charlottesville, VA played a role in his decision to sit during the anthem.
He continued to say, “Charlottesville had a lot to do with it but I think it’s just the journey of who I am as a person. I think everybody has a time where they feel like they need to be who they are and stand up for what they believe in.”
Seattle Seahawks head coach, Coach Pete Carroll, said he did not see Bennett sitting during the anthem, and he didn’t know that he would. Bennett said he didn’t discuss his decision with anyone prior to the game because he wanted to avoid causing any kind of controversy.
As we previously reported, Marshawn Lynch also decided not to stand during the anthem during a recent game where the Raiders faced off against the Cardinals.
