Ex-NFL player rips Trump, accuses him of attacking 'black culture'
The Bennett brothers are two of the most outspoken and controversial NFL players to suit up in quite some time.
Michael Bennett, who was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, has frequently spoken out on social issues and protested the national anthem by kneeling or sitting. He’s also gotten in trouble for lying about police brutality after an incident in Las Vegas, and was indicted earlier this year over allegations he injured an elderly security staffer at Super Bowl LI.
The recently retired Martellus Bennett doesn’t have quite as sordid of a history as his older brother, but is no stranger to controversy. Green Bay Packers fans probably don’t think too highly of him after he claimed to be injured so badly he needed surgery, was released, and then was miraculously playing for the New England Patriots mere weeks later.
While neither have been particularly reserved when it comes to talking about politics, Michael had always been the more vocal of the two.
That’s not necessarily the case anymore after some comments Martellus made to Bleacher Report‘s Mike Freeman.
Of note, Freeman is a vocal critic of President Donald Trump who specializes in identity politics.
Trump sees a nearly 70 percent black NFL as a ripe target for his base. And Goodell, and the owners, with their stupid anthem policy, handed Trump the issue on a platter.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) July 6, 2018
While Bennett’s conversation with Freeman encompassed several NFL topics, including the state of the Seahawks and the off-field issues of Jameis Winston, his most controversial remarks were reserved for Trump.
When Freeman approached Bennett about why Trump keeps fighting with the NFL, the former NFL Pro Bowler gave a head-scratching response.
“It’s the easiest way for him to attack the culture of black people,” Bennett said.
Trump has been a critic of the NFL’s anthem protests and the NFL’s use of public funding to help build stadiums. Neither of those sentiments exactly scream “black culture.”
Bennett’s attempt to elaborate didn’t offer much help.
“He sees the black athlete as someone that black people look up to. So he thinks you can attack black culture by attacking black NFL players,” said Bennett.
First of all, identity politics are not beneficial to anyone.
Second of all, the self-aggrandizing views of Bennett are vomit-inducing. Yes, some athletes, like J.J. Watt and David Johnson are genuine role models. Many, however, are not. It’s asinine to blanket all black athletes as role models that all black people look up to.
Bennett didn’t stop there, however. He proceeded to offer a thinly-veiled accusation that Trump supporters are racist.
“Also, attacking black players helps (Trump) with his base.”
As if the short interview wasn’t already far enough off the rails, Bennett’s last quote lobbed a 7th grade insult at the president.
“I think, too, maybe there’s no rhyme or reason (for Trump’s feud with the NFL.) Maybe he’s just an a–hole.”
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