New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler called reports about why he was benched for Super Bowl LII “false” and “hurtful” on Tuesday.
“During my four-year career with [the] Patriots I have always given everything I have to play at a high level, and would never do anything to hurt my teams’ chances of winning a game, including this year’s Super Bowl where I visited with my family every night,” the 27-year-old Patriots player tweeted Tuesday in a lengthy message.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated [in] any of the ridiculous activities being reported,” he added. “They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.”
— Malcolm CB Butler (@Mac_BZ) February 6, 2018
“Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity,” he continued. “Moving forward I will do what I have always done to work hard and prepare for next season to be the best I can be on and off the field.”
Butler also apologized for “language” he used during an “emotional time” after Super Bowl LII when he told a reporter the team “gave up on me. F–k it. It is what it is.”
“Finally, I want to apologize to any offended by language reported immediately after the game during a very emotional time,” Butler explained. “It was out of character for me and my character, and heart with Gods’ help is what got me to where I am today.”
The cornerback has been with the team for the last four seasons and is set for unrestricted free agency in March.