Bennett Among NFL Players Seeking League Support For Activism

SEATTLE, WA - Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett coauthored a letter with three other NFL players asking NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for support on a number of social justice issues. Currently there are more than 40 active players on a coalition for criminal justice reform dealing with topics like police relations and community engagement, mass incarceration, and funding community-based programs. The other authors of the 10-page letter are NFL players Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and Malcolm Jenkins.

"To be clear, we are asking for your support," the letter reads. "We appreciate your acknowledgment on the call regarding the clear distinction between support and permission. We need support, collaboration and partnerships to achieve our goal of strengthening the community. There are a variety of ways for you to get involved. "

The memo details current player activism efforts and how the NFL can better devote resources to the players' cause. They also requested that the league make November activism awareness month, citing similar initiatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The full text of the letter was obtained by Yahoo Sports and is available here.

Bennett has made headlines for sitting during the national anthem before games. The letter states that these protests have received disproportionate attention from the media and that the players are interested in greater attention for the "grass roots work that many players around the league have invested their time and resources" in.

Last month, Bennett said he was held at gunpoint and treated abusively by several Las Vegas police officers after a report of gunfire. Bennett wrote in a Twitter post that he was among a crowd of hundreds when the sound of gunshots rang out. Bennett ran to seek safety, but police stopped him at gunpoint for "simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

Goodell released a statement following the incident stating that the NFL supports Bennett. Las Vegas's police union refuted Bennett's claims and said the league should investigate Bennett. Goodell responded that there was no basis for an investigation.

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Image via Hay Market Books