Goodell: 'Michael Bennett represents the best of the NFL'
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell offered his support to Michael Bennett on Wednesday, hours after the Seattle Seahawks defender detailed a disturbing encounter with Las Vegas police Aug. 27.
"Michael Bennett represents the best of the NFL - a leader on the team and in his community," Goodell said in a statement. "Our foremost concern is the welfare of Michael and his family."
Bennett said he was racially profiled by officers after a series of gun shots went off near the area he was located, and victimized by an instance of police brutality. He said one officer used excessive force to pin him to the ground and handcuff him while another one threatened to shoot him dead if he moved.
Related: Video emerges of Bennett being detained by Vegas police
Bennett is one of several NFL players who have protested the national anthem before games, citing police brutality against minorities as a primary reason.
"The issues Michael has been raising deserve serious attention from all of our leaders in every community," Goodell said in his statement.
Related: NFLPA executive director to meet with Bennett, issues statement
The commissioner added the league will support Bennett and all of its players in promoting mutual respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve.