Las Vegas police respond to Michael Bennett claim

The officer at the center of the Michael Bennett incident didn’t have his body camera on when Bennett alleges he was forced to the ground by police with a gun pointed at his head.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed as much during a nearly 17-minute news conference Wednesday in response to the Seattle Seahawk’s claim that he was unfairly singled out after police responded to a report of shots fired at a nightclub last month. The defensive end was in town for the Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather fight earlier that night.

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While the LVMPD is currently investigating the incident, Undersheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters that the department is reviewing at least 126 videos of the scene and has asked the public to reach out with more if available. McMahill also confirmed that no gunshots were fired at the club.

After presenting body camera footage from a different officer, which showed numerous bystanders running for cover, McMahill was asked what made Bennett different from everyone else who was trying to escape.

“It’s a great question and I really can’t answer it yet,” McMahill replied.

Las Vegas police Undersheriff Kevin McMahill watches body camera footage during a news conference Wednesday. (AP)
Las Vegas police Undersheriff Kevin McMahill watches body camera footage during a news conference Wednesday. (AP)

Bennett’s claim that officers used excessive force and pointed guns at his head, are unsubstantiated by the video shown at the LVMPD news conference, which cuts out after the officers tracked down Bennett on the street. TMZ previously released video that shows guns drawn at the two-time Pro Bowler.

Both NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith released statements Wednesday expressing concern for Bennett as all sides look to gather more information.

McMahill said there has been no change in the work status of the officers involved. The Seahawks open up Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday in Wisconsin.

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Blake Schuster is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at blakeschuster@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!