New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler on Tuesday refuted reports that a violation of team rules or any other disciplinary measure led to his controversial benching in Super Bowl LII.

Butler, a Vicksburg native and former Vicksburg High and Hinds Community College football star, said in a post to his Instagram account that he spent every night of Super Bowl week with his family and did not miss curfew.

“During my four year career with the Patriots I have always given it everything I have to play at a high level, and would never do anything to hurt my team’s chances of winning a game, including this year’s Super Bowl where I visited with my family every night,” Butler wrote. “During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated any of the ridiculous activities being reported. They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.”

Butler arrived late to Minneapolis because of an illness, and missed the Super Bowl’s opening night festivities as well as one practice. Despite starting 54 of the Patriots’ previous 55 games and playing on 98 percent of their defensive snaps this season, he was informed just before Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles that he would not be in the starting lineup.

Butler played on one special teams snap in the Super Bowl. New England’s defense allowed 538 total yards as Philadelphia scored on eight of its 10 possessions and beat the Patriots 41-33.

Butler’s benching has been a hot topic in the NFL since the Super Bowl. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said it had to do with the game plan and the defensive packages the team used, but neither elaborated despite repeated questioning from reporters.

On Tuesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported the benching stemmed from a “perfect storm” of a minor team rules violation, Butler’s illness, a bad week of practice and other ongoing issues.
In an interview with The Vicksburg Post last week, Butler said his late arrival was a precaution intended to prevent him from infecting teammates.

Other media reports said Butler missed curfew because he attended a Rick Ross concert.
In an Instagram post, Butler’s former Patriots teammate Brandon Browner — who was not on this year’s roster — insinuated that the rules violation involved Butler being caught with marijuana. Butler vehemently denied that in his own Instagram post.

Butler also apologized for using an expletive in an ESPN interview following the game, and seemed to indicate that he was ready to leave the Patriots this offseason.

Butler will be an unrestricted free agent when the NFL’s free agency period begins March 12. He played the 2017 season on a one-year tender contract as a restricted free agent, and the Patriots had shopped him around on the trade market. His Instagram post read much like a goodbye letter to the organization he has spent his entire four-year NFL career with.

“I want to thank Mr. Kraft, the Kraft family, and 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!” Butler wrote. “I have always respected everyone at the New England Patriots organization from custodians, staff and Coach Belichick.”

Several of Butler’s Patriots teammates have voiced support for him this week, and the way he handled the awkward situation during Sunday’s game. On Tuesday, quarterback Tom Brady joined the list.

“Love you Malcolm,” Brady wrote on his Instagram account. “You are an incredible player and teammate and friend. Always!!!!!!”