Martellus Bennett is one of several players who took part in national anthem protests when he was playing in the NFL, but the former tight end does not think the demonstrations will have the same impact this season that they did years ago.
Bennett recently shared some observations about how the NBA is handling social justice issues, and he said he feels kneeling during the national anthem “don’t hit the same” anymore. He then agreed with one of his followers who said more players are willing to kneel now because it is the comfortable thing to do.
Kneeling in 2020 don’t hit the same.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) August 2, 2020
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) August 2, 2020
Bennett was also critical of the messages NBA players have displayed on the backs of their jerseys.
NBA telling you what you can do and say if you would like to participate in protesting is equivalent to someone ghost writing your raps.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) August 2, 2020
When Bennett protested during the national anthem several years ago, very few of his teammates joined him. Now, the opposite is true. The players who have received the most attention since the NBA resumed are the ones who choose to stand. That is likely why Bennett and others feel that kneeling or protesting during the anthem is no longer as powerful.
