Sports

Michael Bennett Charged For Allegedly Attacking An Elderly Paraplegic Victim

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Jena Greene Reporter
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Newly signed Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett has been indicted by a Harris County grand jury for allegedly assaulting a disabled woman.

According to local Houston news outlet KHOU, Bennett was indicted on Friday for “injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic who was working at NRG Stadium to control access to the field at Super Bowl LI.”

Authorities claim Bennett was a spectator at the game and was cheering on his brother Martellus, then New England Patriots tight end. After the Patriots won, Bennet reportedly tried to storm the field but the victim told him to use a different entrance. He resisted and ultimately pushed the 66-year-old paraplegic, causing “bodily injury.”

The incident reportedly took place on February 5, 2017 and Bennett was charged shortly charged for “intentionally and knowingly, causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older.” Bennett faces a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.

Bennett’s lawyer is currently negotiating the terms of his surrender.

Michael Bennett is in the third year of a 5 year, near $40 million contract. It’s unclear whether the NFL will honor the contract now.

During his time on the Seahawks, Bennett gained considerable notoriety for protesting the national anthem for much of the 2017 season. He also falsely accused the police of racial targeting last season, which was later disproven.

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