Seattle Seahawks

Michael Bennett writes heartfelt explanation for why he's backing out of Israel trip

Published Feb. 10, 2017 11:19 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

Say what you will about the Bennett brothers, but they are men of principle.

Michael Bennett announced this week that he would not take part in a scheduled trip to Israel with other NFL players, with the Seattle Seahawks lineman saying "I will not be used" as a pawn by the Israeli government in a heartfelt statement he tweeted Friday.

"When I do go to Israel — and I do plan to go — it will be to see not only Israel but also the West Bank and Gaza so I can see how the Palestinians, who have called this home for thousands of years, live their lives," Bennett wrote.

https://twitter.com/mosesbread72/status/830226873858695168

It came just days after his brother, Martellus, confirmed he wouldn't join his New England Patriots teammates at the White House when they are honored by President Donald Trump as Super Bowl champions.

https://twitter.com/MartysaurusRex/status/826049312580894720