Read Malcolm Butler’s full statement on Super Bowl benching
Butler has finally spoken about Sunday.
Malcolm Butler was understandably upset after being benched in Super Bowl 52. He played just one snap the entire game — on special teams — in the Patriots’ 41-33 loss.
“They gave up on me. Fuck. It is what it is,” Butler told ESPN afterward. He added, “I could’ve changed that game.” He declined to speak on his future in that moment. But on Tuesday, he tweeted a statement thanking Robert Kraft and Patriots coaches for his four years in New England:
— Malcolm CB Butler (@Mac_BZ) February 6, 2018
Tom Brady, LeGarrette Blount, and Brandon Browner (who was outspoken about the benching) all liked Butler’s Instagram post as well.
Brady also posted a comment in support of Butler:
Tom Brady on Malcolm Butler’s statement on Instagram pic.twitter.com/acNVX33mAf
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 6, 2018
Oh, and a few other current and former Patriots:
Along with Brady, the post has been liked by Phillip Dorsett, Elandon Roberts, Harvey Langi, Cody Hollister, Vincent Valentine, Martellus Bennett, Marcus Cannon, Jacoby Brissett, Justin Coleman, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Browner, Jamie Collins and Rob Ninkovich
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) February 6, 2018
Butler said that he’s always given it his all during his time as a Patriot. He also mentioned that reports of him doing anything other than preparing for the game were false, and hurtful to him and his family.
“Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity,” Butler wrote. “Moving forward I will do what I have always done to work hard, and prepare for next season to be the best that I can be on and off the field.”
Butler had been demoted in practice leading up to the game, according to Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com. Johnson Bademosi, who started in just three games for the Patriots during the 2017 season, got more playing time than Butler after Butler played 98 percent of the team’s defensive snaps this season.
Despite his statement, it’s still a weird situation. We don’t know much about what went on, and Butler’s statement is more about appreciation and being peaceful than revealing anything.
He doesn’t commit to being with the Patriots in the letter, nor does he say he’s leaving. But there is a tone that hints he’s done in New England, which wouldn’t be a surprise. He’s set to be a free agent this offseason, and there will be teams out there willing to pay for his services.