Michael Bennett tells CNN why he sat down during national anthem

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is explaining his silent but bold move on the sidelines.

Bennett, who sat during the national anthem before Sunday’s preseason game against the Chargers, told CNN on Wednesday that what happened in Charlottesville, Virginia, had a lot to do with his decision.

"It was just a tipping point to see so much hate, and see so much hatred toward people. At the end of the day for me, it's about being a human being,” Bennett said. “And when those things are going on, there's no way I could go out and try to hide behind the game."

Teammates like Doug Baldwin are applauding Bennett for taking a stand following the tragedy in Charlottesville.

"I think protesting the national anthem begins a conversation about the truth of America,” said Bennett. “I'm not protesting the flag."

Bennett told CNN he's trying to honor the freedom of America, the quality of America, the justice for all, and the liberty.

"Those are the things that I'm trying to remind people that we all fought for,” he said.

Bennett, whose father served in the Navy, sends this message to Gold Star families:

"I honor the military every time I see them,” he said. “And at the point, like I said, I'm not dishonoring the contributions that they made. I'm actually trying to honor the freedom and liberty that they fought for.”

Cox Media Group