Stephen A. Smith is apparently not down for the struggle. That’s essentially the sentiment expressed by Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
A feud has sprung up between the two, after ESPN’s Smith criticized Bennett for saying he wanted Colin Kaepernick to join the Seahawks. Smith has remained steadfastly critical of Kaepernick, since it became known that the anthem-protesting quarterback had not registered to vote.
Smith took Bennett to task for lauding Kaepernick’s activism, despite the fact Kaepernick didn’t vote. Smith said that Bennett is “usually smart, incisive, conscientious and, most importantly, fearless,” then asked, “What in the hell has happened to you.”
Recently, Bennett responded to Smith on Twitter, agreeing with him on the issue of Kaepernick not voting, and not on very much else. “It’s so easy to talk on television and not get your hands dirty and do the real work,” Bennett wrote. “It’s so easy to divide people by playing on fears and lies instead of trying to highlight the hard work that athletes do in the community.”
The full text of Bennett’s tweet can be read here:
Smith responded on Twitter, trying to defuse the situation:
Colin Kaepernick, as of this writing, remains unsigned.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter: @themightygwinn