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The Latest: Bennett says being detained was ‘traumatic’

FILE - This Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 file photo Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, left, sits during the playing of the national anthem next to Justin Britt, center, and another teammate before an NFL preseason football game between the Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks in Oakland, Calif. Bennett is accusing Las Vegas police of racially motivated excessive force when he says he was detained at gunpoint on Aug. 27, 2017, handcuffed and later released without charges following a report that gunshots were heard at a casino hotel. Photo: Associated Press/(AP Photo/Eric Risberg,File)


LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett’s accusation that Las Vegas police held him at gunpoint (all times local):

2:30 p.m.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett says being detained by Las Vegas police was a “traumatic” experience.

Bennett spoke briefly Wednesday at the Seahawks’ practice facility. He declined to go into specifics of what happened during the encounter with police following the Aug. 26 boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor.

Bennett said he had constant thoughts of his wife and kids while being detained. He eventually stopped speaking and walked away from the podium when asked about his family.

“It sucks that the country that we live in now sometimes you get profiled for the color of your skin,” Bennett said.

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MORE: NFL’s Bennett alleges excessive force by Las Vegas police with TMZ video

9:40 a.m.

Seattle Seahawks player Michael Bennett is accusing Las Vegas police of racially motivated excessive force after he says he was threatened at gunpoint following a report that shots were heard at a casino hotel.

Bennett posted a Twitter account early Wednesday saying police singled him out as he was running from a sharp sound following the Aug. 26 fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor.

Police Officer Jacinto Rivera says Las Vegas police are checking for video and written reports but can’t immediately verify Bennett’s account.

The 6-foot-4 defensive end says he was handcuffed face-down on the ground after one officer held a gun to his head saying he would blow his head off if he moved. Bennett, who has been a leader of the national anthem protests started by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, was released without charges.

Police later attributed the report of gunfire to the sound of velvet rope stands falling over.

 

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