Ex-Patriots cornerback charged with DUI in R.I.

PROVIDENCE — Former New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler was arrested in North Providence earlier this month and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to North Providence police.

On March 16 at about 3:22 a.m., officer Vincenzo Nassi observed a car stopped in the westbound lane of Mineral Spring Avenue, according to a police report. The officer identified the driver of the white Mercedes as Butler, who said he was coming from a studio in Providence where he was making music. Police said the car was blocking westbound traffic in the area of the Route 146 on ramps.

Officer Nassi detected “a strong odor of alcoholic beverage” from Butler’s breath, as well as slurred and delayed speech “with severely bloodshot watery eyes,” according the police report.

When asked if he had been drinking alcohol, Butler responded, “just take me to jail,” the police report said. Butler refused to take field sobriety tests, and was placed under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence and brought to police headquarters.

Butler was also issued summons on charges of refusing to submit to the sobriety tests and parking or stopping in a prohibited intersection.

Butler is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Third District court, according to the police report. He will also appear in Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal court on Friday.

Butler is known around New England for helping the Patriots win the 2015 Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks, when he made a game-winning interception.

He last played with the Titans

in 2020, and had stints with the Cardinals and Patriots in 2021 and 2022. Butler announced his retirement on March 10.

“I am retired,” Butler said, according to NBC Sports. “I did the best I can do. Walking away from the game feeling comfortable. Everybody can do more, but I’m satisfied with my career. It’s time to move on and transition.”