Skip to main content
NFL Star ‘Will Not be Used’ by Israel
Michael Bennett in solidarity with Palestine and boycotts trip to Jerusalem

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett was applauded by Red Card Israeli Racism (RCIR) yesterday after backing out of today’s sponsored trip to Israel, on the grounds that he refuses to be used as Israel’s “goodwill ambassador.”

Bennett, as well Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills and Denver Broncos running back Justin Forsett, are taking a stand against the Israeli government, with the Seahawk releasing a statement on Friday in which he made clear that he will visit Israel under his own terms.

RCIR backed Bennett’s stand, telling the Star: “We applaud Michael Bennett for his principled stand on behalf of the people of Palestine. He is one of a growing number of sports stars who refuse to be used as propaganda tools by a brutal regime.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Palestine solidarity marchers in London on March 28
Features / 17 June 2026
17 June 2026

The struggle for Palestinian freedom has become a defining issue for everyone committed to justice, democracy and peace, says PETER LEARY ahead of the Stop the War International Conference on Saturday

VOX POPULI, VOX DEI: Demonstration against Israel’s war on Palestine in Frankfurt’s Willy-Brandt-Platz last year. The banner reads: ‘Stop the criminalisation of Palestinian resistance and solidarity’ / Pic: conceptphoto.info/CC
Features / 24 October 2025
24 October 2025

After NGOs and the EU, UN condemns Germany’s crackdown on Palestine Solidarity, writes LEON WYSTRYCHOWSKI

Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit pushes away Argentina's Guido Petti Pagadizabal, right, during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between Wales and Argentina at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille, October 14, 2023
Men’s rugby union / 1 August 2025
1 August 2025
INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE: A demonstration, outside Greece's Parliament in central Athens, against the war in the Gaza Strip and Israel blocking of emergency food supplies, Thursday, July 24 2025
Features / 26 July 2025
26 July 2025

HUGH LANNING reports on an initiative that will aim at counteracting the anti-Palestine narratives spoon-fed to Western governments and the mass media by Israel’s propaganda machine