NFL player Michael Bennett says he was targeted by police for 'simply being a black man'

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.



SEATTLE -- Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett says he went through a terrifying experience with Las Vegas police after the Mayweather-McGregor fight, according to KCPQ.

Bennett posted a letter on Twitter on Wednesday saying police officers targeted him and used excessive force during a chaotic situation on Aug. 26.

Bennett says he was leaving the fight and heading back to the hotel (on his day off) when people heard what sounded like shots fired.

"Like many of the people in the area I ran away from the sound, looking for safety. Las Vegas police officers singled me out and pointed their guns at me for doing nothing more than simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time."



Bennett says an officer ordered him to the ground, placed a gun near his head and told him that if he moved the officer would "blow (his) f***ing head off."

Here's Bennett's account of what happened next:


Bennett says he kept asking the officers what he had done and reminding them that he had rights. The officers took him to a police car, confirmed his identity as a famous football player and eventually released him.


TMZ Sports posted video of the incident (Editor's note: Video contains profane language):



Police Officer Jacinto Rivera says Las Vegas police are checking for video and written reports but can't immediately verify Bennett's account.

Police later attributed the report of gunfire to the sound of velvet rope stands falling over.

The City of Las Vegas said it does not oversee the department and was "awaiting answers."



Players are reacting to Bennett's story.