Michael Bennett says he faced a 'real-life threat of being killed' during confrontation with Las Vegas Police
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has alleged that Las Vegas police used excessive force against him during an encounter the weekend of the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor.
In a statement posted to his Twitter account, Bennett describes something that sounded like a gunshot going off while in Las Vegas and the terrifying scene that followed. Bennett says he did what many people did - ran away from the sound and searched for safety. He then says that he was singled out by police and held at gunpoint.
"A police officer ordered me to get on the ground. As I laid on the ground, complying with his commands to not move, he placed his gun near my head and warned me that if I moved he would 'blow my f---ing head off.' Terrified and confused by what was taking place, a second Officer came over and forcefully jammed his knee into my back making it difficult fot me to breathe. They then cinched handcuffs on my wrists so tight that my fingers went numb."
Bennett goes on to describe the fears that went through his mind as he laid on the ground.
"My life flashed before my eyes as I thought of my girls," Bennett said. "Would I ever play with them again? Or watch them have kids? Or be able to kiss my wife again and tell her I love her?"
TMZ Sports has obtained video of the encounter, however, it does not show the initial confrontation. The video picks up with Bennett on the ground being handcuffed and explaining why he was running.
Bennett has also retained civil rights attorney John Burris and is exploring his legal options with regard to the incident.
Soon after posting his note, Kaepernick reposted the statement to his own account, saying that he stood with his Brother Michael Bennett.
Bennett has been a long-time supporter of Colin Kaepernick's protest of police violence, and has stated his intent to continue sitting for the anthem this season.