Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett was expected to join a group of NFL players on a trip to Israel next week. This group includes the likes of Carlos Hyde, Kenny Stills and Delanie Walker, among many other notable veterans.
Unfortunately, Bennett has decided to pass up on the trip. In the process, he cited the plight of the Palestinian people as well as perceived human rights concerns stemming from Israel’s oftentimes violent relationship with its neighbors.
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In an open letter on The Nation, Bennett also called on other players to consider exactly what he perceives this trips means.
“Consider the political ramifications of a propaganda trip organized by the Israeli government that aims to prevent players from seeing the experience of Palestinians living under military occupation,” Bennett wrote.
At a time when professional athletes are taking on larger roles within the community, they are also finding themselves increasingly involved in politics.
Though, the entire Middle East conflict is something that has not received a ton of attention as it relates to professional athletes. The always outspoken Bennett is obviously attempting to change this.