In the quiet early hours of March 16th in North Providence, Rhode Island, Malcolm Butler, a name synonymous with one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the New England Patriots, found himself in a situation far removed from the glory of intercepting game-changing passes. Butler was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, marking a stark departure from the celebrated highlights of his football career.
The incident unfolded when Butler, behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz E300, was stopped by law enforcement on Mineral Spring Avenue. It was just past 3:20 a.m., and his vehicle was reportedly obstructing traffic, having just come off Route 146. The arresting officer’s observations painted a concerning picture: Butler exhibited signs of intoxication, including a noticeable smell of alcohol, significantly slurred and delayed speech, bloodshot eyes, and excessive sweating.
Despite these indicators, Butler declined to undergo field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested. He was taken to the North Providence Police Department for processing, where he cooperated with authorities, being fingerprinted and photographed without any issues. A court summons was issued for March 29.
The news of Butler’s arrest first came to light through local news outlet WPRI on Tuesday. When questioned about alcohol consumption, Butler’s response to the officers was a resigned, “just take me to jail.” This quote, however, was not included in the police report shared with Boston.com, which also had several details of Butler’s interaction with the police redacted.
Interestingly, just two days prior to this incident, Butler had been in attendance at a Celtics game in Boston. In the aftermath of his arrest, Butler’s attorney, John Harwood, who is also a former Rhode Island House Speaker, filed a motion to dismiss the charge. Harwood argued that Butler’s constitutional rights had been violated, a claim that adds a legal twist to the unfolding narrative.
As this story develops, it serves as a reminder of the unforeseen challenges that can emerge, even for those who have reached the pinnacle of professional success. Malcolm Butler, whose career has been defined by a moment of unparalleled triumph, now faces a different kind of scrutiny off the field.