Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett said he was racially profiled and harassed by Las Vegas police following the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight last month, and that officers ordered him to get on the ground and not move or they’d “blow my f—–g head off.”
Bennett said in a Twitter message on Wednesday morning that he was stopped after many people heard gunshots following the fight. He said officers singled him out and “pointed their guns at me for doing nothing more than simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He was ordered to the ground, and said he was “terrified and confused” as officers used needless, excessive force.
“A second officer came over and forcefully jammed his knee into my back making it difficult for me to breathe,” said Bennett in the post. “They then clinched the handcuff on my wrists so tight that my fingers went numb.”
The 31-year-old Super Bowl champ continued, saying the “excessive use of force was unbearable.” He said he was then held in the back of a police car until his identify was confirmed.
Bennett has been one of the more prominent voices supporting Colin Kaepernick in the National Football League. He sat for the National Anthem last year and said he’ll do the same for the upcoming season. Bennett referenced that decision in his Twitter post.
“This fact is unequivocally, without question why before every game, I sit during the national anthem — because equality doesn’t live in this country no matter how much money you make, what job title you have, or how much you give, when you are seen as a ‘n—-r,’ you will be treated that way.”
The Las Vegas Police Department did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Bennett was profiled just yesterday by The Undefeated as an “activist disguised as a football player.”
“I think the biggest problem in the NFL is that we have to be able to get the biggest people involved in the issues. Every day a white quarterback throws the ball to a black receiver,” said Bennett in the piece. “But when it comes to Black Lives Matter issues, they won’t step up and be like, ‘There is an issue.'”
Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving Step Up Their Style Game at SI Fashionable 50 (Photos)
NBA MVP Russell Westbrook added another title to his name as he was crowned SI’s Fashion MVP at a star-filled party at Avenue in Hollywood Tuesday night. "It’s definitely an unbelievable blessing," Westbrook told TheWrap.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
"It's important to be able to take that next jump to create your own trend, create your own step, and pave your own way to be able to that in fashion," Westbrook said (pictured here with SI editor in chief Chris Stone).
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
The Oklahoma City point guard found inspiration close to home, "if my mom was in the sports world, then she’d be my style icon," he said. "She always told me 'go out and be yourself.'"
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Golden State Warriors NBA champion Andre Iguodala said he came in what he was wearing all day, but still looked damned impressive -- before (lightheartedly) calling out ...
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
... Kyrie Irving for ignoring his texts, and them both teasing another Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals showdown. As for Irving, he said he gets his best style tips from his sister, Asia Irving.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Skipping interviews and heading straight to the party, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn dazzled in a white trouser suit.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Oakland Raiders' Michael Crabtree, who has his own clothing line, MyCoteire from Crab, says: "I feel like if I look good, I play good -- on and off the field."
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Calais Campbell now gets a little help with his wardrobe from his new wife.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
"Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay didn't want to compete with the Sports Illustrated models so kept it simple with a very cute little black dress.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick and fiancee Draya Michele were a formidable combo in an English countryside-designed shirt and a shimmering gold gown, respectively.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Nashville Predators defenceman P. K. Subban proved his knows his designers as much as hockey plays, telling TheWrap that is favorite is Yves Saint Laurent.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis proved that he only listens to himself with it comes to fashion choices, somehow making mid-shin overalls look decidedly dapper.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
"Spoils of Babylon" actor Haley Joel Osment was definitely dwarfed on the carpet by the giant athletes.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATEDMichael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
"Snowfall" actor Amin Joseph kept up with the athletes in the style stakes.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
1 of 14
Sports Illustrated magazine celebrates sports stars’ top style plays
NBA MVP Russell Westbrook added another title to his name as he was crowned SI’s Fashion MVP at a star-filled party at Avenue in Hollywood Tuesday night. "It’s definitely an unbelievable blessing," Westbrook told TheWrap.