Butler talks about benching

New England Patriots defensive back

Malcolm Butler has broken his silence over being benched for Sunday’s Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 4133. In a statement issued Tuesday on Instagram, Butler denied reports that his actions before the game caused Patriots coach Bill Belichick not to play him as a disciplinary measure. Butler said he “would never do anything to hurt my teams’ chances of winning a game, in- cluding 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 (sic) any of the ridiculous activities being reported. They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.” Butler started every game for the Patriots during the regular season and in the playoffs. Belichick would not expand on his reasoning for the benching after the game or on Monday. Butler will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.