Michael Bennett Says It Was 'Emotional' To Get Support From White Seahawks' Teammate Justin Britt
A few days after sitting during the national anthem last weekend, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett explained how a white player joining the protest "would change the whole conversation."
His voice was seemingly heard loud and clear, as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long supported the national anthem protest of Black teammate Malcolm Jenkins by draping an arm over the safety's shoulder during the song before their preseason game last Thursday night.
Other white players followed this past weekend, as Seahawks center Justin Britt put an arm around a protesting Bennett during the national anthem on Friday night, and Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr did the same with defensive end teammate Khalil Mack, before the squad's preseason game Saturday night.
Bennett's reaction?
"It was very touching for me," he said. "A very emotional moment."
Indeed.
Check out Britt's explanation as to why he supported Bennett and more below.
Justin Britt Directly Answered Michael Bennett's call for action from white players
"I want to support him," Britt said after the Seahawks' preseason win, as reported by ESPN. "I want to support what he stands for and his beliefs. I'm not foolish. I'm from Missouri. I get that things are different in that area than they are in some other areas. I'm not against what the flag means and veterans. My dad was in the Army. So I'm not putting any disrespect to them. I'm just trying to understand the issues, trying to educate myself more in that regard and showing support.
Britt added: "And I'm going to continue to understand what's going on in the world and why it's happening. Because none of it's right. None of it's what should be happening. I'm going to continue talking with Mike and exploring and just helping myself understand things. I wanted to take a first step tonight. And that's what I felt like I did."
Bennett was touched to get the support from his white teammate, one who is deeply respected within the Seahawks' locker room
Nice moment for sure.
Britt also tweeted this powerful quote out
#Facts.
- advertisement
Derek Carr also explained why he supported Khalil Mack
Does the Raiders QB's explanation rock with you?
While he saluted the gestures of both Chris Long and Justin Britt, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe Asked Derek Carr and Khalil Mack To "Own It"
In other words, Sharpe wanted more of an explanation from Carr and Mack as to why they were taking the stance they did because they made it a point to say that the gesture wasn't a protest during the national anthem and was more to promote racial solidarity.
People did recognize Carr and Mack's twist to the protesters' support
Understood.
- advertisement
But despite how they did it, Chris Long, Justin Britt and Derek Carr stepped up to support their black teammates
Will other white players do the same?
