NFL Players Balk at Image Trip for Israel after Government Bragged

Although trips to Israel intended to build the Jewish state’s image in the eyes of its guests are readily available through any number of organizations for virtually any and every political or entertainment personality willing to make the trip, the most public rebuke and indignation at “being used” came not from politicians walking the thin line of accepting trips some argue amount to an unethical acceptance of something of value in return for a presumed quid pro quo, but from players in the National Football League who read an article that quoted government ministers boasting prematurely of the NFL trip’s success. Urged on by pro-Palestinian activists, two players withdrew immediately and others appear to be following suit as the trip unravels. According to Seattle Seahawks end Michael Bennett after reading that he was to become an “ambassador of good will” for Israel, “I won’t be used in such a manner.”