In a review of NFL player/activist Michael Bennett's new book, Seattle Post-Intelligencer writer Michael-Shawn Dugar portrays the controversial athlete as a hero working to empower women and arming people to protect themselves. Failing to mention that Bennett was arrested this week on a felony charge of injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic woman, Dugar merely mentions in a note at the end of his review that Bennett's book tour appearances have been postponed.
Bennett's book, "Things That Make White People Uncomfortable" comes out Monday. It was written with Dave Zirin, an ultra-Left sports writer with The Nation.
Bennett (middle in photo) played professionally for the Seattle Seahawks for a number of years, but was recently traded to Philadelphia. Since Colin Kaepernick's pro football career ended, Bennett has attracted attention for supporting Black Lives Matter, sitting in disrespect during the national anthem and accusing Las Vegas police of racial profiling after they detained him for running and hiding from them.
Though Dugar dishonestly withholds information, he writes that the book is "a painfully honest, incredibly thought-provoking and often hilarious experience. That’s the best word for it: experience. That’s what it’s like watching, being around and talking to Michael Bennett, so it’s fitting his book emits the same energy." Dugar gushes that Bennett is a husband and father of three daughters who "doesn’t make decisions for personal gain, but instead for the benefit of others."
Bennett has emerged as "one of the league’s leading voices in athlete activism," Dugar continues. The Bennett book provides commentary on issues of race, society, education, women’s rights and how those discussions intersect with sports. "As he uses his own experiences to highlight harsh realities, Bennett almost serves as an intel operative returning home to arm everyone with the knowledge to defend and protect themselves."
Dugar writes that by the conclusion of the book, the reader will realize "Bennett does indeed have a superpower, but it’s not physical strength, superior intellect or the ability to pull off wearing underwear outside of pants while donning a cape. It’s bravery." And this:
"It takes bravery to protest on a national stage few have access to. To speak for those whose voices often go unheard. To fight for the rights and the well-being of marginalized people. To sit as a means of taking a stand for justice and equality, a battle as old as any, an ongoing struggle that has certainly made many people uncomfortable."
Much of Dugar's praise of Bennett collapses in the face of what Bennett is alleged to have done at last year's Super Bowl in Houston. When that game ended, Bennett rushed the field to congratulate his brother, Martellus Bennett, a member of the winning New England Patriots. He disobeyed a wheelchair-bound security guard's instructions to use a different entrance, swore at her and pushed through, spraining her shoulder in the process. Harris County authorities say the felony charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
In the final paragraph of Dugar's textbook sample of media bias, he mentionins that Bennett's book tour appearances have all been postponed. He included a statement issued by a representative of Bennett's who said, ''He is currently focused on working with his legal team to prepare for his April 23rd court hearing in Houston, and spending time with his family. We stand with Michael during this difficult time.'" But there is not a single mention of Bennett being indicted.
