Malcolm Butler finally breaks silence about allegations levied against him
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler opened up about his Super Bowl benching on Tuesday via a statement released on social media.
Butler, one of the team’s top defensive players, played a total of zero defensive snaps in his team’s 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After the game he told reporters, “They gave up on me. F—, it is what is is.”
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Butler’s absence in the Super Bowl was part of a “perfect storm of issues,” including an early week illness, a poor week of practice and a violation of a minor team rule related to curfew.
Butler attended a Rick Ross concert in Minneapolis, Rapoport said, and that might have been the final straw.
The cornerback, however, disputed those reports with his statement Tuesday.
“During my four-year career with [the] Patriots I have always given everything I have to play at a high level, and would never do anything to hurt my teams’ chances of winning a game, including this year’s Super Bowl where I visited with my family every night,” Butler said. “During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated [in] any of the ridiculous activities being reported. They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.”
— Malcolm CB Butler (@Mac_BZ) February 6, 2018
Tom Brady responded to Butler’s post on Instagram, saying, “Love you Malcolm. You are an incredible player and teammate and friend. Always!!!!!!”
Coach Bill Belichick said after the game that discipline was not a factor in Butler’s benching, and he addressed the issue again on Monday.
“I respect Malcolm’s competitiveness,” Belichick told reporters. “I’m sure that he felt like he could’ve helped. I’m sure other players felt the same way. In the end, we have to make decisions that are best for the football team.”
Watch: Bill Belichick comments on not putting Malcolm Butler on the field. https://t.co/z7RyN3UhIJ pic.twitter.com/TVmu9K8WMU
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) February 5, 2018
Butler’s statement sounded a lot like a farewell to the Patriots. He thanked Robert Kraft, the Patriots coaches and the organization for the opportunity to play in New England and also apologized for cursing in his comments to a reporter following the game.
“Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity,” Butler wrote.
Many sports reporters have criticized Belichick for benching Butler in the most critical game of the season.
.@ColinCowherd questions Bill Belichick's decision to bench Malcolm Butler pic.twitter.com/AxxOTbSBRF
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 5, 2018
Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe went after the Patriots head coach for his lack of transparency.
“The Patriots lost a very winnable Super Bowl Sunday night in some part because Bill benched cornerback Malcolm Butler for some undisclosed infraction or violation of the Patriot code,” Shaughnessy wrote.
Pats captains were aware that Butler was being sat. But exactly when they were informed I can't tell you. Must say though, Butler is an emotional guy and he was nothing but happy as hell when we talked with him throughout the week.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) February 5, 2018
It is unclear when Butler was informed of the benching. He appeared to be in tears during the national anthem.
No matter the reason for his benching, the Patriots were upset in the Super Bowl and Butler’s time in New England appears to be over.
Butler is set for unrestricted free agency in March after finishing up his fourth NFL season in disappointing fashion.
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