Ex-Patriots CB, Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler charged with DUI

BOSTON — Former New England Patriots cornerback and Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcom Butler was arrested and charged with a DUI earlier in March, according to North Providence Police Department.

Butler, whose late-game interception clinched New England’s fourth Super Bowl in 2015, was reportedly observed blocking a lane of traffic in a stopped car in Providence around 3:30 a.m. on March 16. An officer, according to court documents cited by CBS News, noticed “a strong odor of alcoholic beverage” coming from Butler’s breath when speaking with him.

The former defensive back was also reportedly “sweating profusely” with “slurred and delayed speech” and “severely bloodshot watery eyes.” Butler allegedly told police he was “coming from a studio in Providence where he was making music,” according to reports.

When asked by the officer if he had been drinking, Butler reportedly told the patrolman “just take me to jail.” The Texas native allegedly refused to take field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer back at the police station following his arrest, according to reports.

Butler’s attorney, John Harwood alleged that the ex-Patriot’s “Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and 14th Amendment” rights were breached. He was allegedly charged with stopping at a prohibited intersection and refusing a chemical test.

Butler announced his retirement six days before his arrest.

“I am retired,” Butler said, via NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. “I did the best I can do. Walking away from the game feeling comfortable. Everybody can do more, but I’m satisfied with my career. It’s time to move on and transition.”

Butler entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2014. He hadn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2020, but attempted comebacks with the Cardinals and Patriots in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Aside from his game-saving, goal-line interception at the end of Super Bowl XLIX, Butler was notably benched during a Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles.