Patriots’ Malcolm Butler Reportedly Benched In Super Bowl LII For Missing Curfew, Other Issues

Malcolm Butler did not get any defensive snaps in the New England Patriots‘ Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and it is now known why the cornerback got no playing time.

Malcolm Butler Super Bowl benching news

Coach Bill Belichick said Monday there were several reasons — many of them disciplinary — he decided to bench Butler, who will be 28 in March.

Butler reportedly violated a team rule relating to curfew, although other reasons revolved around the Pro Bowl cornerback having a mediocre week of practice as he battled flu-like symptoms. Belichick hinted on Monday that Butler hadn’t practiced enough.

Some were even more surprised by Belichick’s decision after it became clear Butler’s replacement, defensive back Eric Rowe, couldn’t keep up with Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery, who made several key plays and scores on Sunday.

Butler was hailed as the hero of Super Bowl XLIX three years ago, when he intercepted a pass from Russell Wilson in the end zone in the final seconds to secure the Patriots’ 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, the team’s first national title since the 2004 season.

Nevertheless, Butler was not named Super Bowl MVP that year: that honor went to Tom Brady, who also got the award last year.

Butler was reportedly very upset with not playing any minutes in Super Bowl LII, and said he believed the Patriots “gave up on” him:

Will Butler return to play for New England next season? Time will surely soon tell.