Riiiight: France star Karim Benzema blames racism for Euro 2016 snub

Star Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says he knows why France manager Didier Deschamps left him off the host nation's roster for the Euro 2016 international soccer tournament. 

"He has bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France," Benzema told a Spanish newspaper this week. 

"You have to know that in France the extremist party reached the second round in the last two elections," Benzema, who is Muslim and of Algerian descent, told Marca. 

Benzema is among the world's top strikers. He stars for Real Madrid, which just won the UEFA Champions League. He's scored 27 goals in 81 appearances for the French national team since 2007. At 28 years old, he's in his athletic prime. 

So here we have an interesting premise. Could it be that anti-Islam political extremism in Europe is trickling into sports, impacting national team selections? That would be quite a story indeed. 

Too bad Benzema's claims don't hold any water. So: Why was he actually left off France's Euro 2016 roster? Here's an idea. 

It probably has something to do with the popcorn-worthy sex scandal that rocked the French national team last year. Benzema played a central role. 

Benzema was charged last November in a blackmail case involving fellow France national team member Mathieu Valbuena. Valbuena was contacted last year by someone claiming to have an incriminating sex tape of the midfielder. Benzema then allegedly approached Valbuena to act as an intermediary between Valbuena and his extorters, attempting to help milk Valbuena for cash. 

That's pretty uncool in general -- but absolutely toxic in a high-pressure team sports environment where cohesiveness is key. 

Benzema's attorney denied all wrongdoing, but recordings released in November certainly make the Real Madrid star appear complicit in the conspiracy to extort Valbuena. The case is still working its way through French courts and a final judgment has not been rendered. 

Now, to be clear: Racism in soccer is a real problem, as is rising xenophobia in many parts of Europe. But the dots just don't connect here. 

So -- yeah. If you're wondering why Benzema won't be representing France at Euro 2016 this summer, don't blame racism. Blame Benzema. 

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