Malcolm Butler Gives Eyebrow-Raising Response To Benching Theory

Any time Malcolm Butler is behind a microphone, everyone is inclined to ask the same question.

Why didn’t the former Patriots cornerback play in New England’s Super Bowl LII loss?

Butler continues to take the high road when he’s asked, often referring to the infamous designation as a “coach’s decision.” But the Super Bowl XLIX hero on Wednesday allowed the hosts of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger & Mazz” to share theories they’d heard about the benching, and it led to an intriguing exchange.

“Yeah, that it was you were told, ‘Don’t go out this week,'” Jim Murray told Butler. “There were Instagram photos of you out and about and after that it was like, ‘Well, he didn’t listen. So, we’re going to bench his ass for the Super Bowl.'”

“I ain’t seen them photos,” Butler responded. “But like, we are grown men. We do got a time to be at work and then a time to be messing off. So, yeah.”

Butler’s remarks suggested something happened behind the scenes that led to Bill Belichick stapling the two-time champion to the sideline in Minnesota. However, Butler himself probably is never going to come out and flat-out reveal what took place.

“It’s just loyalty,” Butler said on “Felger & Mazz” about why he hasn’t shared the coveted information. “Nobody embarrassed nobody. It is what it is. Respect, honor.”

At this point, there doesn’t appear to be any bad blood between Butler and the Patriots. After all, he had a brief second stint in New England before retiring from the NFL last year.