Malcolm Butler posted a message that reads like a goodbye to the New England Patriots organization and fans Tuesday.
In Super Bowl LIII on Sunday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick decided not to use Butler, a starting cornerback all season, on defense. Butler got on the field for one play, a Philadelphia Eagles punt, after he played the most defensive snaps of any Patriot during the regular season (1,037, or about 98 percent).
Belichick and other coaches stayed mum on Butler’s benching after the game and on Monday. After the game, though, Butler told ESPN’s Mike Reiss that “they gave up on me” and seemed confused why he didn’t get to play.
Here’s what Butler had to say Tuesday:
— Malcolm CB Butler (@Mac_BZ) February 6, 2018
“During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated any of the ridiculous activities being reported,” Butler’s statement read in part. It may have been a response to his ex-teammate in New England, cornerback Brandon Browner, implying on Instagram that he missed curfew and was caught with marijuana.
Butler posted the message to Twitter and Instagram. It’s important to note one important player who replied to Butler on Instagram: Tom Brady.
“Love you Malcolm. You are an incredible player and teammate and friend. Always!!!!!!!” Brady wrote.
Butler became famous as a rookie for making a game-ending interception in the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX for the Patriots to beat the Seattle Seahawks. He became a regular starter for the Patriots after that, but he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this March.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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