Former NFL defensive back Malcolm Butler, whose interception clinched Super Bowl XLIX for the Patriots, was arrested in Providence and charged with driving under the influence earlier this month.
According to police and court documents cited by CBS affiliate WPRI, Butler, 34, was observed blocking a lane of traffic in a stopped car at 3:22 am on March 16.
“While speaking with Malcolm, I could detect a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath,” the arresting officer wrote. “He also had extremely slurred and delayed speech along with severely bloodshot watery eyes.”
Former Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler was arrested on a DUI charge. North Providence Police Department Malcolm Butler with the Patriots in 2015. APThe officer said that Butler was “sweating profusely” and said to “just take me to jail” when asked if he had been drinking alcohol.
Butler reportedly told police that he was “coming from a studio in Providence where he was making music.”
Officers said that Butler refused to submit to an alcohol test after he was transported to the police station.
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An attorney for Butler, John Harwood, who was previously the speaker of the House in Rhode Island, has sought to have the charge suppressed, alleging that his client’s “Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and 14th Amendment” rights were breached.
“I think when they stopped him he wasn’t driving,” Harwood told WPRI. “He was off the road, and that he wasn’t driving tells me at least he was being responsible.”
According to Boston 25 News, Butler was also charged with stopping at a prohibited intersection and refusing a chemical test.
Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson on the goal line to clinch Super Bowl XLIX. AP Malcolm Butler celebrates his interception with Patriots teammates. Erik S Lesser/EPA/ShutterstockButler is best known for intercepting Russell Wilson at the goal line to give the Patriots a victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX in early 2015.
He was also mysteriously benched for the Super Bowl in early 2018 that the Patriots lost to the Eagles, and it has remained a sore point for New England players and fans to this day.
Butler played four seasons with the Patriots and three for the Titans and last appeared in an NFL game during the 2020 season.
He announced his retirement earlier this month.
