Malcolm Butler Addresses Rumors Of Why He Was Benched For the Super Bowl

The New England Patriots' starting cornerback Malcolm Butler only saw one play during Sunday's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

There were rumors that he was benched because he attended a Rick Ross concert during Super Bowl week and missed curfew. There was also talk that he was caught smoking weed with a woman in his room. 

But Butler said all of that is false, and the rumors have gotten to him on a personal level. 

"During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew or participated in any of the ridiculous activities being reported," he said. "They are not only false but hurtful to me and my family ... Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity. 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."

He also apologized for losing his cool after the game.

"Finally, I want to apologize to any offended by my language reported immediately after the game during a very emotional time," stated Butler. "It was out of character for me and my character and heart with Gods' help, is what got me to where I am today. I can't wait for the 2018 season to get here. I will be ready."

Butler's statement pretty much matches what the New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. Belichick denied that Butler was benched for disciplinary reasons and claimed that he didn't play the cornerback but he wasn't the right person to put in.

“I respect Malcolm’s competitiveness,” he said. “I’m sure that he felt like he could’ve helped. I’m sure other players felt the same way. In the end, we have to make decisions that are best for the football team.