Malcolm Butler Releases A Statement Denying Any Wrongdoing Before His Super Bowl Benching

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And just when we thought we were piecing together a little clarity as to why Malcolm Butler was benched during the Super Bowl after playing nearly every snap for the defense all season, we’re back to square one. Yesterday, a Pro Football Focus writer said that Butler was caught with weed at the hotel room and had a meltdown on coaches. Ian Rapoport claimed that the Butler benching was due to an imperfect storm of issues: sickness, a shitty week of practice, and breaking curfew.

I was just getting to the point where I was believing in something. It really didn’t matter what. I needed an answer to begin the grieving process.

Well, Butler has released a 300-work statement that sounds a lot like his own eulogy with the Patriots organization. The 27-year-old also stomped out rumors of him going to a Rick Ross concert or missing curfew.

“I want to thank Mr. Kraft, the Kraft family, and my coaches for giving me an opportunity to play for one of the most successful organizations in sports. I also thank my teammates, as we have won a lot of games together, and all I know is winning! I have always respected everyone at the New England Patriots organization from Custodians, staff and Coach Belichick.

“In each of my Four years we have achieved Conference Championships or Super Bowl victories since I arrived in New England> All of this would not be possible without thanking some of the best fans in the world who have supported me from day one and, always let me know how much they appreciated me here in New England. During my four year career with Patriots I have always given it 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. 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. Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity. Moving forward I will do what I have always done to work hard, and prepare for next season to be the best I can be on and off the field.’

“Finally, I want to apologize to any offended by language reported immediately after the game during a very emotional time. It was out of character for me and my character, and heart with Gods’ help is what got me to where I am today. I can’t wait for the 2018 season to get here. I will be ready!”

I’m beginning to believe something. And it’s that I’ll never know the truth.

[h/t Pats Pulpit]

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Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.