Malcolm Butler teases why he was benched before the Super Bowl against the Eagles
It’s been five years since the Patriots lost Super Bowl LII against the Eagles. One topic from that game that remains unanswered is why cornerback Malcolm Butler was benched for the game.
Details as to what happened could emerge soon. Butler was a guest on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” on Super Bowl LVII Radio Row and spoke on that fateful big game.
“Like I always say, man, it was a coaching decision,” Butler said. “It was a coach’s decision. But I really don’t know, man. There’s a documentary coming out where I’m talking about all that. I did that with some of the guys in New England. And I’ve got a book coming out, also, so I ain’t going to spill the beans right now. But it’ll be something to look forward to.”
Butler is going to be releasing a documentary and book that will tell his side of the story on his infamous Super Bowl benching.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has refused to answer why he ordered the benching of Butler.
The former Patriots cornerback didn’t address any specific rumor during the interview. Butler did mention that if it were a big deal, why did the Patriots bring him back for a second stint last season. Belichick signed Butler last offseason but he never suited up for the Patriots during the 2022 season.
“(Belichick) didn’t give me an explanation,” Butler said, “But all the rumors that were going around (about) why I didn’t play — if I did something so bad, why did I come back?”
The 32-year-old never publicly bashed his former head coach or organization following his benching.
“But I’m just going to be me anyway. I’m a respectable guy. I’m not going to bring no attention to myself if I don’t need to. But you never know who you’re going to meet or where you’ve got to go back to. You’re probably right. It was just a respect thing or whatever.”
According to ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, he detailed why Butler was benched in his book, “It’s Better to Be Feared.”
“In the lead-up to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles, Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia traded heated words at practice over the former Super Bowl hero’s lack of effort. Butler was demoted. At the team party after New England’s loss, Butler responded to teammates asking why he was benched saying, “These dudes,” referring to the coaches, according to the book, “these mother f---ers,” wrote Wickersham.
Eric Rowe would earn the start in Butler’s place for the biggest game of the season. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles torched the Patriots secondary throwing for 373 yards.
It is not known yet when Butler’s book and documentary will be released to the public.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
