Malcolm Butler Hits Back At ‘False’ Reports Over Super Bowl Benching

FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots reacts in the fourth quarter during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

7:22 PM 02/06/2018

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New England Patriots corner back Malcolm Butler called reports about why he was benched for Super Bowl LII “false” and “hurtful” on Tuesday.

“During my four-year career with [the] Patriots I have always given everything I have to play at a high level, and would never do anything to hurt my teams’ chances of winning a game, including this year’s Super Bowl where I visited with my family every night,” the 27-year-old Patriots player tweeted Tuesday in a lengthy message.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated [in] any of the ridiculous activities being reported,” he added. “They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.”

pic.twitter.com/yapvjbDy5H

— Malcolm CB Butler (@Mac_BZ) February 6, 2018

“Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity,” he continued. “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.”

Butler also apologized for “language” he used during an “emotional time” after Super Bowl LII when he told a reporter the team “gave up on me. F–k it. It is what it is.”

“Finally, I want to apologize to any offended by language reported immediately after the game during a very emotional time,” Butler explained. “It was out of character for me and my character, and heart with Gods’ help is what got me to where I am today.”

The cornerback has been with the team for the last four seasons and is set for unrestricted free agency in March.