An American professional football player has pulled out of a planned trip to Israel, accusing its government of trying to use him for PR purposes.
Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett cited Muhammad Ali’s support for the Palestinians, saying he too wanted to be a “voice for the voiceless.”
Israeli officials had boasted the visit this week would bring “influencers” who would serve as “goodwill ambassadors” when they return home.
But in a letter posted on Twitter Saturday, Bennett said: “I will not be used in such a manner.” The Miami Dolphins’ Kenny Stills indicated he also will skip the trip.
The delegation, which includes Bennett’s brother Martellus of the champion New England Patriots, is to arrive Monday.
Israel’s public diplomacy ministry, a sponsor of the trip, declined comment Sunday.
(AP)
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13 Responses
Just another example of Israel trying too hard. Can be really embarrassing sometimes. This guy is probably just the first of a few. Shakeup in the PR department needed urgently methinks…
Another Moslem Jew-hater.
Stay home. Noone needs you. Israel places way too much value on these big clunkers. They’re nothing more than a large package of meat.
Gistael needs only Hashem, not these anti-Jewish haters. We should skip out of watching them play. They should not use us, to make their millions.
If he feels used, imagine how the yidin who pay his salary feel now.
Which Israeli moron publicized the true intentions behind the invitations? Zero saichel. He/she should be fired from any PR position held.
No matter how true everything as
Israe has to have a little more common sense And stop showcasing everything as loudly as they do such as bragging about how many settlements they going to build
Why do I suspect he would let BLM use him?
Uncle mo well said. Stay home premedona
Like what did he think in the first place, it’s a paid trip for what purpose? To introduce him to Judaism?
Even Ali changed his mind later in life after he got some sense knocked into him.
These חיות have unemployed parents, siblings and relatives. But what to they do with their millions of dollars, first they buy a half a million dollar sports car then they’re busy being the “voice of the voiceless”! Why don’t they go back to the projects where they grew up and be the “voice of the people that have gone hoarse”!!!
Israel needs to stop seeking approval from hollyweird and dumb football players who know nothing outside of their little playbook.