The Story Coming Out About Malcolm Butler Is Pretty Wild

Malcolm Butler, arguably one of the best corners in the NFL, was benched on the biggest stage in sports. The hero from Super Bowl 49 found himself riding the bench in Super Bowl 52.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called the benching a coaching decision and left it at that, but there had to be more considering Malcolm took first team reps on defense all week leading up to the Super Bowl.

We’re now getting perhaps some explanation why he was benched. There are reports that Malcolm missed curfew and had weed in his possession, this came from a Pro Football Focus writer:

A family friend who I trust, is well connected in law enforcement and was in Minny this week with local cops told me Butler missed curfew, got caught with weed when he came back late to hotel, and subsequently had a meltdown on coaches

— Joey Cartolano (@JoeyPigskins) February 5, 2018

Not sure if this is true or not, but based on Malcolm’s response after the game, he feels the team gave up on him:

Just caught up with a very emotional Malcolm Butler, alongside Adam Schefter. "They gave up on me. F—. It is what it is," Butler told us. https://t.co/GQLxM6eTGL

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 5, 2018

Here’s the thing, unless Malcolm Butler is selling weapons of mass destruction to Syria, you freaking play him. This decision makes no sense. If this curfew thing is true, how about you fine him, or sit him the first series. Sitting him the whole game? Come on man, that’s harsh. And if that’s the case, why not deactivate him? Why was he active, taking a spot on the roster when one of the deactivated players could have been plugged in.

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Butler is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Belichick didn’t elaborate any more on the decision today so Bill is either helping Malcolm by not airing out his dirty laundry, or it truly was a coaches decision. A very bad one at that. Brandon Browner had some strong words about it that I can’t say I disagree with:

In a series of posts, one in which Dont'a Hightower liked, Brandon Browner shared his thoughts on the benching of Malcolm Butler. pic.twitter.com/ayyvrePlcf

— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) February 5, 2018

Jordan Richards or Eric Rowe are never a better option than Malcolm Butler. Period. Tom missed out on a 6th title because of either a power trip or a stupid decision. That doesn’t sit well with me, and I can’t imagine it sits well with Tom.

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Andrew Tomasi

Andrew is the founder of Off The Monster Sports (Off The Monster Media, LLC.) which was founded in 2013.

Rubydo

Then he deserved no tto play. THE END.
thinkB4UType

Butler is not a kid. Bill is not his daddy. This was a serious game and he should have played and done his job. Period. Fine him. Play him.
- 420ManOWar
  
  Obvious you do not understand the strict policies these players earning thousands must abide by makes you look stupid
- FatManChew
  
  Or like any other adult jobs if you screw up and yell at your bosses when you screwed up you should have been fired and since they couldn’t fire him they benched him.
  - thinkB4UType
    
    Except, of course, it seems that also did not happen. Just Bill, being Bill.
  - thinkB4UType
    
    And had it, it would make Bill and idiot. Grind a key player and take an L for your ego?
Pete

Other NFL coaches should have the discipline that Bill Belechik has, and the guts to enforce his rules, otherwise you get players kneeling, flipping off the public, grandstanding after successful plays, and abusing the rules set down by the coaches and staff. Belechik doesn’t put up with Prima Donas like T.O., Dion “Showtime” Sanders, and Odell Beckham, Jr. BTW, his discipline has gotten him to mre Superbowls than any other NFL coach. Case rested!