Seattle Seahawks star Michael Bennett has claimed he was assaulted by police in Las Vegas last month, after attending the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight.
One of the most outspoken and socially conscious players in the NFL, the Super Bowl XLVIII winner revealed his experience in a lengthy statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Equality. pic.twitter.com/NQ4pJt94AZ
— Michael Bennett (@mosesbread72) September 6, 2017
The 31-year-old claims he was singled out by the local police department after the sound of apparent gunshots for "simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time".
Bennett revealed he was pushed to the ground by a police offer, and had a gun placed against his head.
All I could think of was ‘I’m going to die for no other reason than I am black and my skin color is somehow a threat’.
The Seahawks star has followed in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick this pre-season in taking a knee during the American national anthem before matches. Kaepernick was one of the first to publicly support Bennett after the incident was made public.
This violation that happened against my Brother Michael Bennett is disgusting and unjust. I stand with Michael and I stand with the people.
Bennett's revelation is surely set to increase the tension between police forces and the African-American community around the country. He is one of the most high-profile men to suffer alleged heavy-handed tactics from a police force.
Since Bennett released his statement, TMZ Sports released footage of the incident.
The Seahawks are one of the favourites to win this season's Super Bowl. Bennett and the team will begin their season away to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.
