We all wondered why Patriots star cornerback, Malcolm Butler, was crying during the anthem. People speculated if he was overcome with emotion about Pink’s rendition of the national anthem or whether it was something else. After barely seeing him on the field the entire game, we realized it was the latter, yet no one could figure out why he had essentially been benched.
Diana Santana on Twitter
Why was #MalcolmButler in tears during the National Anthem… Why? #WhereSButler? #WhatHappenedToButler? #Patriots #WeNeedAnswers https://t.co/goONYsbQPK
Well today we learned why.
Ian Rapoport on Twitter
My understanding is the benching of #Patriots CB Malcolm Butler happened because of a perfect storm of issues: Sickness, a rough week of practice, and a minor rule violation believed to be related to curfew. A complicated matter. https://t.co/TmUJgkHpsZ
Looks like the perfect storm hit Butler before Sunday’s big game and Belichick wasn’t having any of it, banishing the cornerback to the sidelines and prompting him to vent to the press.
“They gave up on me. F. It is what it is.”
Coach Belichick responded to reporter’s questions about the benching after the game.
I respect Malcolms competitiveness, said Belichick. Im sure that he felt like he couldve helped. Im sure other players felt the same way. In the end, we have to make decisions that are best for the football team.
So on top of the Eagles defeating the Patriots in another amazing Super Bowl, now they’ll have to deal with drama in the off-season, with questions surrounding Butler’s benching sure to be festering for the next 7 months.
Kevin Patra on Twitter
Malcolm Butler: ‘I ain’t got nothing to say’
