Seahawks DE Michael Bennett on Saturday wore a “Black Lives Matter” shirt after practice and said that he "felt compelled to be an advocate for social issues and do his part to help the community," according to Matt Calkins of the SEATTLE TIMES. Bennett also "chastised some of his NFL brethren for their failure to follow suit." Bennett said, "In the NBA, the greatest players are at the forefront of the movement. In the NFL, the greatest players aren’t. Our great players are sitting back just taking the dollars, whether it’s Cam Newton or other guys.” Bennett’s primary point was that professional athletes "can shape the public’s view on anything from shoes, to food, to clothing to soda -- so why not extend the influence to current events?" Bennett "has voiced his support of Black Lives Matter in the past" (SEATTLE TIMES, 7/31). Bennett said, "The women and WNBA have really stood up for what they want, and I think that it's time for the players in the NFL." Bennett: "Eventually, we'll have to get together as a whole sports community, because at the end of the day, athletes have a brand, and we control what is sold in America" (ESPN.com, 7/30).
SENDING THE MESSAGE: In Boston, Gary Washburn noted there is a perception that today's athletes "are disconnected from social issues." But when Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, Bulls G Dwyane Wade, Clippers G Chris Paul and Cavaliers F LeBron James spoke at the ESPYs, it "perhaps served as a benchmark moment for current athletes, sending a message that these rich men who live bountiful lives and are celebrated for their athletic accomplishments do understand there are those left behind who don’t enjoy such privileges." Washburn: "It’s about time professional athletes -- of all colors -- become more socially active." Young athletes long have "lived in a bubble, afraid to jeopardize their marketability and earning power" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/30).
