Former Seahawks player Michael Bennett postponed an April 9 Seattle appearance to focus on his pending court case in Houston, according to a spokesperson for Town Hall, the organization sponsoring the event. He was slated to talk about his new book, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, which he co-wrote with Nation author Dave Zirin.
Bennett, who just signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, turned himself in to Houston authorities Monday on charges that he injured a 66-year-old paraplegic security guard during the Super Bowl in February 2017. He posted the $10,000 bond.
A grand jury in Harris County, Texas, indicted Bennett on March 23. According to a statement from the district attorney, Bennett was at NRG stadium to watch his brother play for the New England Patriots. When the Patriots won the game, the district attorney alleges, “Bennett shoved his way on to the field where players were gathering to celebrate.” Security guards told him he had to use a difference entrance. “Instead, he pushed through them, including the elderly woman who was part of the security team,” the district attorney’s statement continues.
The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Bennett, through his attorney, has denied any wrongdoing.
Bennett, a defensive end, is a force both on and off the field. He is known for being politically outspoken, taking public stances in support of Black Lives Matter and Palestine, and against Donald Trump.
He drew attention last year when he alleged that Las Vegas police racially profiled him during an active shooter call at a casino.
Prominent activists and media personalities, including The Intercept‘s Shaun King, have questioned the charges against Bennett. The football player’s publisher, Haymarket Books, issued a statement asserting that Bennett was “targeted for being a Black man who speaks out boldly against racism and police brutality.”
Bennett’s next court hearing in Houston is scheduled for April 23.
