Malcolm Butler Denies Breaking Team Curfew At Super Bowl

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Malcolm Butler all but said he would not re-sign with the New England Patriots in a statement posted on Twitter late Tuesday afternoon. The post at times read like a goodbye letter and response to recent reports, including one that indicated that Butler broke curfew.

"I want to thank Mr. Kraft, the Kraft family, and my coaches for giving me an opportunity to play for one of the most successful organizations in sports. I also thank my teammates, as we have won a lot of games together, and all I know is winning! I have always respected everyone at the New England Patriots organization from custodians, staff and coach Belichick," Butler wrote.

A report from the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport indicated that Butler was forced to watch the Super Bowl from the sidelines due to a "perfect storm" of issues including sickness, a rough week of practice, a minor team rules violation believed to be related to curfew, and frustration. All that meant that the hero of Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle was limited to just one special teams play Sunday night as Eric Rowe was given his spot on defense.

Butler wrote that he spent every night of Super Bowl week with his family and he said he didn't break curfew or attend any concerts.

"(The reports) are not only false but hurtful, to me and my family," Butler wrote.

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Butler was on the field for nearly 98 percent of all defensive plays during the 2017 season, but only one play during the biggest game of the season. Coach Bill Belichick said after Sunday's game and again Monday that the decision to bench Butler was done with the team's best interest in mind and denied that it was a disciplinary measure. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia (who left Monday to become head coach of Detroit) said it was due to the defensive packages they were using.

Butler is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and after this post, it's unlikely he'll wear a Patriots jersey next season.

"Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for my next opportunity. 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," he added.

As noted by Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal, the statement has been liked on social media by several current and former Patriots including Tom Brady, Martellus Bennett, Marcus Cannon, Jacoby Brissett, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Browner, Jamie Collins, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Rob Ninkovich.

Brady followed up on Instagram with the comment, "Love you Malcolm! You are and incredible teammate and player and friend. Always!”