Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has accused Las Vegas police of excessive force and racial profiling during an incident following the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor fight on 26 August.
Bennett, 31, said he was returning to his hotel after the bout when he heard what sounded like gunshots and ran for cover. He claims officers singled him out because of his race, forced him to the ground at gunpoint, and placed a gun near his head, threatening to 'blow his fucking head off' if he moved.
In a statement on Twitter, Bennett said he was 'terrified and confused' as a second officer jammed his knee into his back and applied handcuffs so tightly his fingers went numb. He was released after police realised he was a famous NFL player, not a 'thug' or 'common criminal'.
Las Vegas police undersheriff Kevin McMahill denied race was a factor, saying officers responded to reports of a gunman near the Cromwell Hotel and Casino. He said Bennett was seen crouched behind a gaming machine and acted suspiciously by running away, leading to his detention while officers investigated.
Bennett, a Super Bowl winner with the Seahawks in 2014, has previously protested against racial injustice, including sitting during the US national anthem. He said he is exploring legal options, including a civil rights lawsuit.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who sparked national debate by kneeling during the anthem, called Bennett's treatment 'disgusting and unjust' in a tweet that has been widely shared.
