SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Michael Bennett on Vegas police encounter: ‘He warned me that if I moved he would ‘blow my (expletive) head off’

Sep 6, 2017, 8:03 AM | Updated: Sep 12, 2017, 11:12 am
michael bennett, seahawks...
Seahawks DE Michael Bennett said Colin Kaepernick can't be taken out of conversations with the league. (AP)
(AP)

An outspoken advocate for victims of police brutality and racism, Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett found himself in a similarly perilous position Aug. 26, when he says he was subjected to excessive force by Las Vegas police officers, including at one point having a gun held to his head.

Bennett posted a chilling account of the event to Twitter Wednesday.

“A police officer ordered me to get on the ground,” Bennett wrote. “As I laid on the ground, complying with his commands to not move, he placed  his gun near my head and warned me that if I moved he would ‘blow my (expletive) head off’.”

Bennett said he has retained a civil rights attorney and is prepared to “explore all my legal options, including filing a civil rights lawsuit for the violation of my constitutional rights.”

TMZ Sports has released a video of the encounter, captured by a bystander. (Warning: language)

In a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department undersheriff Kevin McMahill clarified the department’s account of the incident. He said officers responded to a call from the Cromwell casino at approximately 1:30 a.m. The call was initially broadcasted as an assault, and later updated to an active shooter situation.

While searching for an active shooter, an officer noticed Bennett crouched near a gaming machine. Two officers gave chase when the individual (later identified as Bennett) ran out of the casino and onto the strip. Both officers were armed with handguns, and the arresting officer did not turn on his body camera.

“If the investigation reveals that any policies or training were violated, those officers will be held accountable,” McMahill said.

Here is a statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Bobby Wagner...
Brent Stecker

Hasselbeck: How Seahawks may use Bobby Wagner differently in return

Bobby Wagner comes back to the Seahawks a year older and a year wiser, and former Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck thinks that may play into his role.
17 hours ago
Seahawks Bobby Wagner Al Woods...
Brent Stecker

Seahawks’ reunion with Bobby Wagner could be sign of what’s to come

The Seahawks have a need at nose tackle. Michael Bumpus explains why the blueprint for the answer there may be what Seattle did with Bobby Wagner.
17 hours ago
Seahawks Bobby Wagner...
Brent Stecker

Huard: What Bobby Wagner brings to the table in his Seahawks return

Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard breaks down what the value for the Seahawks is in reuniting with legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner.
17 hours ago
Seahawks Evan Brown...
Brandon Gustafson

Ray Roberts: Seahawks appear to upgrade at center with Evan Brown

After taking a closer look at new Seahawks center Evan Brown, former NFL offensive lineman Ray Roberts is intrigued by his potential.
2 days ago
Seahawks Draft Jalin Hyatt...
Brandon Gustafson

Seahawks Draft: The All-American WR that’s still being slept on

One potential Seahawks draft pick who Michael Bumpus thinks deserves more love is Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, a 2022 All-American.
2 days ago
Seahawks Bobby Wagner...
Brandon Gustafson

Seahawks reuniting with legendary LB Bobby Wagner on 1-year deal

The Seahawks are reportedly reuniting with star LB Bobby Wagner on a one-year deal, a year after he was released and signed with the Rams.
3 days ago
Michael Bennett on Vegas police encounter: ‘He warned me that if I moved he would ‘blow my (expletive) head off’