SEATTLE — Michael Bennett was the first Seattle Seahawks player announced during pre-game introductions before the home opener against San Francisco, receiving one of the loudest ovations.
It was the second show of support for Seattle’s outspoken defensive end on Sunday.
Outside of CenturyLink Field, a group of protesters supporting Bennett gathered prior to the game. The group expressed its support for Bennett after he says he was subjected to racial profiling and excessive force when Las Vegas police detained him last month. Protesters also showed support for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is still without a job after his anthem protests a year ago. It was a small protest with about 50 people participating.
When the anthem began on Sunday, Bennett took what’s become his usual seat on the bench. Seattle centre Justin Britt and running back Thomas Rawls stood next to Bennett each with a hand on his shoulder during the anthem. Teammates Cliff Avril and Frank Clark also sat with Bennett for the final few bars for the final moments of the anthem.
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