Michael Bennett Says Colin Kaepernick FA Shows Racial Divide of Fans, Players

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sees Colin Kaepernick's inability to sign with a new team as a microcosm of the NFL's demographics and how those demographics impact the machinations of the league.

"I think the league is built on middle America, and most of the middle of America is predominantly a white crowd," Bennett said Wednesday, per ESPN.com's Sheil Kapadia. "That's just the truth of it. I think race is not something that the NFL wants to be a part of or get behind. But the league is predominantly African American."

Bennett also said he believes "race and politics" are playing a role in Kaepernick remaining a free agent: "Obviously, there's the elephant in the room why Kaepernick isn't signed, and most people know why. I've said this several times, and I'm not afraid to say it: I think race and politics in sports is something people don't want to hear about, nor do people want to be a part of."

On Wednesday at the Seahawks' minicamp, Bennett wore a T-shirt bearing the phrase "I Know My Rights," per Kapadia:

The shirt is part of an effort launched by Kaepernick to make members of the youth community aware of their rights when dealing with members of law enforcement.

The Seahawks brought Kaepernick in for a visit in May in hopes of potentially signing him as their backup quarterback. Seattle opted instead for Austin Davis, with head coach Pete Carroll saying Kaepernick deserved to have a starting opportunity—something he wouldn't have been afforded with the Seahawks.

In March, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman said on ESPN's First Take he believed NFL teams were blackballing Kaepernick.

New York Giants owner John Mara told The MMQB's Jenny Vrentas he had received negative feedback from some fans who were outspoken in their desire to see the team avoid signing Kaepernick.

Kaepernick left the San Francisco 49ers after he voided his contract in March. In 12 games for the 49ers last year, he threw for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.