Michael Bennett calls off Israel trip, accuses Israeli government of using him

Forthright superstar defensive end Michael Bennett tweeted Friday night that he canceled an upcoming trip to Israel for rather unique reasons.

In a letter he addressed to the "world," the Seattle Seahawks defender said he was looking forward to a trip with fellow NFLers Cliff Avril, his brother Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker, Mychal Kendricks, Cameron Jordan, Kenny Stills, Calais Campbell, Carlos Hyde, Justin Forsett, Dan Williams, and former player Kirk Morrison. However, he said the itinerary has been hijacked by the Israeli government.

"I was scheduled to make a visit to Israel with fellow NFL players. I was excited to see this remarkable and historic part of the world with my own eyes," Bennett wrote.

"I was not aware, until reading this article about the trip in the Times of Israel, that my itinerary was being constructed by the Israeli government for the purposes of making me, in the words of a government official, an 'influencer and opinion-former' who would then be 'an ambassador of good will.'

"I will not be used in such a manner. When I do go to Israel - and I do plan to go - it will be to see not only Israel but also the West Bank and Gaza so I can see how the Palestinians, who have called this land home for thousands of years, live their lives."

Bennett then cited Muhammad Ali as a hero and said he wouldn't be able to pattern himself after the boxing legend by being a "voice for the voiceless" if he were to agree to the trip that was being planned for him.

"I know that this will anger some people and inspire others. But please know that I did this not for you, but to be in accord with my own values and my own conscience," Bennett wrote.

"Like 1968 Olympian John Carlos always says, 'There is no partial commitment to justice. You are either in or you're out.' Well, I'm in."