Super Bowl benching still puzzles butler

The question just keeps coming, and Malcolm Butler still has the same answer. No, the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback does not know why Patriots coach Bill Belichick benched him at the Super Bowl in February. Butler said Sunday he never got an explanation for being benched in the Super Bowl after starting 15 games during the regular season and two playoff games. “Coach’s decision,” Butler said. For his part, Belichick has never really explained why Butler was benched either. Belichick dodged questions again when the Patriots opened training camp this week, focusing only on this season. Butler didn’t hang around either. He left the Patriots in March, signing a five-year deal with more than $30 million US guaranteed with the Tennessee Titans. The memory of being benched is driving Butler with his new team. “I’m on fire I can tell you that,” Butler said. “But I’m past that. I’m a Tennessee Titan, and I’m just ready to ball for the Titans.” Butler has nine career interceptions with 56 passes defended while with New England.

Meanwhile, Miguel Angel Jimenez won the Senior British Open, edging defending champion Bernhard Langer by one shot.

Jimenez dropped only one stroke en route to a final round 3-under 69, scoring a 12-under 276 at the historic Old Course. Langer shot a 68 to come second. Americans Kirk Triplett (69) and Scott McCarron (68) tied for third with Canada’s Stephen Ames (69).