Wednesday 7 February 2018 07:18, UK
Benched New England Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler has rubbished reports of off-field misconduct during Super Bowl week.
Butler is renowned for making one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history when he pulled off a late goal-line interception in the win over the Seattle Seahawks three years ago.
But he made it onto the field for only one special teams play on Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles racked up 538 yards of offense, including 374 yards passing, and defeated the Patriots 41-33.
Head coach Bill Belichick and defensive co-ordinator Matt Patricia later said the 27-year-old cornerback had been left out for "football reasons".
The NFL Network reported on Tuesday that Butler had been omitted after a "perfect storm" of issues, which included violating a rule over team curfews during Super Bowl week, as well as illness and poor form in practice.
Butler has posted a statement on Twitter which said: "I 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.
"During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated in any of the ridiculous activities being reported.
"They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.
"Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity."
Before the Super Bowl, Butler was on the field for 98 per cent of the Patriots' defensive snaps this season and started 17 of their 18 games.
