New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick could be headed for a collision course in connection with the Malcolm Butler saga. Belichick benched Butler in Super Bowl LII, saying it’s a decision that he had to make before gametime. However, Belichick did not mention any reason for the benching, aside from saying that it’s not due to disciplinary reasons, according to Austin Knoblauch of NFL.com. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider said Butler did not play one defensive snap because of several issues, including sickness, a rough week of practice, and a minor rule violation believed to be related to curfew.

However, in a long Twitter post, Butler denied that he was benched as disciplinary measure, saying he did not violate any team rule. Butler denied attending any concert during Super Bowl week, or missing curfew or participating in any ridiculous activities that were reported by several media outlets. Butler called the reports false and hurtful for him and his family. “Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity,” said Butler, who is expected to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Butler’s Twitter post was liked by Brady and some of his Patriots teammates, a move that could create a friction between the quarterback and Belichick, who maintained that the decision to bench Butler was his.

Brady also added fuel to the fire by commenting on the post, saying "“Love you Malcolm! You are and incredible teammate and player and friend. Always!”, per Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal. "There are a lot of things that go into that. In the end, the final decision is what I said it was,” said Belichick. Without Butler, the Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41-33.

Brady should blame Belichick for missing out on 6th SB ring

According to Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com, Brady should blame no one but Belichick for him missing out on a sixth Super Bowl trophy.

Had not Belichick decided to bench Butler, they will have a better chance of stopping the Eagles’ offense. The Patriots yielded 538 yards, the most ever given up by the Patriots defense under Belichick.

Ex-Patriots question Belichick’s decision

However, several former Patriots questioned Belichick’s decision, including retired outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who said the benching is not the best solution to the situation at hand. “I mean, if it was discipline, I don’t know if that is the best way to go about it," Ninkovich said on Dale & Holley with Keefe. According to Ninkovich, Belichick is known for fielding the best players on the field to execute the offense or defense. Earlier, former Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner said Belichick cost New England the game for benching Butler.
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