Never afraid to speak his mind on tough topics, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett was at it again Saturday. Showing up to the podium with a Black Lives Matter T-shirt, he called out the NFL’s stars for not speaking up on social matters.
Michael Bennett was asked about WNBA players wearing #BlackLivesMatter t-shirts. Here's his answer: pic.twitter.com/wSIdh2rgfH
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) July 30, 2016
It’s interesting that Bennett called out Cam Newton by name over all other NFL stars. Perhaps it was intentional, or perhaps Newton was the first name that popped into his head as an influential African-American in the NFL.
It’s also interesting that he points to money being a key reason why the NFL’s stars are quiet.
We’ve seen many top athletes in the NBA, including LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, who have made strong statements recently about the violence in America. Michael Jordan added his name to the list of prominent athletes speaking out against the violence recently.
Yet the NFL’s stars have been conspicuously quiet this summer, as Bennett points out. Perhaps his words will stir up some of them to make statements of their own on matters that matter.