Malcolm Butler Has Been Benched For The Last Three Weeks Because His Flight Got Cancelled And He Missed A Voluntary Practice

(Source) — Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler played the part of Super Bowl hero in February when he sealed New England’s Super Bowl win by picking off Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at the 1-yard line, late in the fourth quarter. That probably seems like forever ago though, because right now, Butler’s the main tenant in coach Bill Belichick’s doghouse. According to the Boston Herald, Belichick made the decision to bench Butler for the team’s OTA sessions after Butler was late for the Patriots first OTA on May 26. The cornerback didn’t make it to practice on time because his May 25 flight was canceled due to weather issues, an excuse that obviously didn’t sit well with Belichick. Belichick reportedly expects his players to give themselves ample time when they’re flying, mainly because weather issues do happen — especially in the New England-area.

First things first, by all accounts Butler has taken his punishment like a man. He’s still showed up to the stadium every day and sat in on meetings and film even though he knew he wasn’t going to be allowed on the field. That’s almost the main story for me here. So many guys would go home and say fuck you, these are voluntary anyway, but it takes a man to show up every day, take his lickings, and do whatever work you’ll allow him to. I respect the shit out of that from Butler.

Second things second, everyone is saying “three weeks” because that sounds better, but in reality he was benched for 7 practices. Still a lot, I admit, but not exactly what you think when you hear “benched for three weeks.” I wouldn’t bench a cornerback on this team for a single practice, let alone seven, but that’s why I’m blogging instead of coaching teams to Super Bowls. Sometimes you gotta let the new “superstar” know that he ain’t really a superstar. Jonas Gray can tell you all about it. You think one Super Bowl winning interception and a storm gives you the right to miss a voluntary workout? Not around these parts, bubba.