In North Providence, Rhode Island, Malcolm Butler, the celebrated former cornerback for the New England Patriots and a pivotal figure in Super Bowl history, found himself under arrest for drunk driving earlier this month, as disclosed by local police on Tuesday.
**The Incident Involving Malcolm Butler**
The arrest took place on Saturday, March 16, when a patrol officer noticed a white Mercedes Benz obstructing traffic on Mineral Spring Avenue shortly after 3 a.m. The driver, identified as Butler, mentioned he was returning from a studio in Providence. The officer reported a noticeable alcohol odor on Butler’s breath, along with his profuse sweating, significantly slurred speech, and his eyes being markedly bloodshot and watery.
**Butler’s Response and Arrest**
Upon being questioned about his alcohol consumption, Butler’s response was straightforward: “just take me to jail.” He declined to undergo field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested, with his vehicle being towed. At the police station, Butler also chose not to submit to a breathalyzer test, according to the report.
Charged with drunk driving, the 34-year-old Missouri City, Texas resident was summoned to court on Thursday, March 28. Butler’s legal representative, John Harwood, a former Rhode Island House Speaker, has moved to dismiss or suppress the charge, arguing that Butler’s constitutional rights were infringed upon. Harwood contended to WPRI-TV in Providence that Butler, found off the road and not driving at the time of the stop, was essentially being responsible.
**A Look Back at Butler’s NFL Journey**
Butler, who announced his retirement from professional football on March 10, just six days prior to his arrest, had an illustrious seven-season career in the NFL. He rose to fame with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2014, clinching his place in NFL lore with a game-winning interception against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Following his tenure with the Patriots, Butler signed a lucrative deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2017, played for them until 2020, briefly joined Arizona in 2021, and made a short-lived return from retirement in 2023 with the Patriots before an injury led to his release.
This incident marks a notable chapter in the life of a player best remembered for his on-field heroics and contributions to the Patriots’ dynasty. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how this situation develops for the former NFL star.