The union that represents the Las Vegas police department fired back at Michael Bennett’s claims of being racially profiled, but in doing so reminded…
The union that represents the Las Vegas police department fired back at Michael Bennett’s claims of being racially profiled, but in doing so reminded everyone why black athletes are participating in protests in the first place.
While condemning Bennett’s version of what happened the night of the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight, the police union decided first to take a swipe at the NFL’s lack of action concerning the various protests by its players that have intensified in numbers over the past year.
“While the NFL may condone Bennett’s disrespect for our American flag, and everything it symbolizes, we hope the League will not ignore Bennett’s false accusations against our police officers, ” the second sentence of a letter addressed to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.
Athletes have been protesting the killings of black people by police officers for years, but the current movement has consistently dominated the national conversation since former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to kneel during the anthem.
Those who are protesting would argue the American flag symbolizes the right to protest injustice and is not just for appreciating people who serve the country as part of the military or law enforcement.
“Michael Bennett represents the best of the NFL — a leader on his team and in his community. Our foremost concern is the welfare of Michael and his family, ” Goodell said in a statement Wednesday issued by the NFL. “… [T] he issues Michael has been raising deserve serious attention from all of our leaders in every community. We will support Michael and all NFL players in promoting mutual respect between law enforcement and the communities they loyally serve and fair and equal treatment under law.”
