BUTLER REFUTES BENCHING RUMORS

BOSTON» Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler said he didn’t miss a curfew or do anything off the field that would have hurt New England’s chances of winning the Super Bowl before he was benched for the game.

In a statement on Twitter and Instagram, Butler said reports of misconduct off the field are “ridiculous.”

“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.”

• Police are investigating a break-in at the home of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in Foxborough, Mass., while he was at the Super Bowl.

Suspect in fatal crash in U.S. illegally.

An immigrant who was living illegally in Indiana when he was arrested in a suspected drunken-driving crash that killed an NFL player had a history of misdemeanor convictions and arrests, authorities said.

President Donald Trump drew added attention to Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson’s death on Twitter, calling the highway collision that killed him and another man “disgraceful.” The president also prodded Democrats to work with him on illegal immigration and border security.

QB Josh Allen invited to combine.

Quarterback Josh Allen has been invited to participate in the NFL Combine, which takes place Feb. 27-March 5 in Indianapolis. Quarterbacks are scheduled for on-field workouts on March 3.