One of the top story lines following the Patriots Super Bowl LII defeat was the notable absence of cornerback Malcolm Butler for all but one snap (on special teams) during the game.
In the hours that followed the loss, a flurry of rumors and speculation circled throughout the media as to why Butler didn’t play despite not being listed as inactive. Some ranged from missing a team meeting, to attending a concert during the week.
It wasn’t until shortly before kickoff that cornerback Eric Rowe would make the surprise start in Butler’s place. Butler played in 97.8 percent of the defensive snaps in the 2017 regular season.
When asked during his Monday press conference, head coach Bill Belichick stated “I respect Malcolm’s competitiveness, and I’m sure that he felt like he could have helped,” Belichick told reporters. “I’m sure other players felt the same way. In the end, we have to make the decisions that we feel are best for the football team, and that’s what we did, that’s what I did.”
Over his social media accounts Tuesday, Butler shared his side of the story with a statement that refuted rumors said about him while also hinting at a goodbye to Patriots fans. Butler is set to be a free agent in March.
— Malcolm CB Butler (@Mac_BZ) February 6, 2018
On the Instagram version of the statement, a few teammates including quarterback Tom Brady showed some support with comments and likes.
Tom Brady on Malcolm Butler’s statement on Instagram pic.twitter.com/acNVX33mAf
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 6, 2018
Along with Brady, the post has been liked by Phillip Dorsett, Elandon Roberts, Harvey Langi, Cody Hollister, Vincent Valentine, Martellus Bennett, Marcus Cannon, Jacoby Brissett, Justin Coleman, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Browner, Jamie Collins and Rob Ninkovich
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) February 6, 2018
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