Seahawks DE Michael Bennett remains seated during national anthem

Lindsey Wisniewski, Seahawks Wire | MSN Sports

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat alone on the team’s bench during the national anthem as the Seahawks opened the preseason in Los Angeles on Sunday.

After the song concluded, Bennett rejoined his teammates on the field who were standing with locked arms.

Bennett’s silent protest took place one day after Oakland Raiders running back and former teammate Marshawn Lynch remained seatedbefore the Raiders 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Like Lynch, Bennett received a mix of hate and praise for his protest.

The move from Bennett doesn’t exactly come as a surprise.

The Pro Bowl defensive end has been outspoken about social issues that matter to him before and is currently writing a book called “How to Make White People Uncomfortable.”

Bennett is also good friends with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began sitting during the national anthem last September. He recently said he believes Kaepernick is being “blackballed” in regard to the fact he has not yet been signed by an NFL team.

Kaepernick worked out for the Seahawks this offseason, but the team later decided to sign Broncos free agent Austin Davis instead.