Malcolm Butler. Malcolm Butler, the hero of Superbowl 49, is in uniform; yet he’s benched for the entire Superbowl (except for special teams). Why?
Many theories have been posited. I’m going to put another spin on this. The decision to sit Malcolm Butler came not from Patriots coach Bill Belichick, nor certainly from The Krafts, but, of all places, from the NFL Commissioner’s office. Yes, the Commissioner. But Why?
My theory: Because the Superbowl is the League’s “Showcase”. The events leading up to, and including the game itself, provide a setting for the NFL to shine. To capture the headlines. To be in the limelight. I t must go flawlessly. It didn’t!
Neither Rob Gronkowski (concussion protocol) nor Malcom Butler (illness) were available for media questions on that opening night “interview session” at St. Paul’s Excel Energy Center.
Moreover, I’m only surmising here, but did the Commissioner’s Office speak with the Krafts who, in turn, talked to Bill Belichick, who in turn meted out punishment.
Gronkowski punished? Are you kidding? As Tony Soprano woulda said: “Fuhgettaboutit!” But, the oft-criticized, much-maligned Butler… “Yeh, that’ll work. We can do that!”
So, there’s Butler sobbing on the bench having just been told he’s not playing. Humiliated! Ouch!!!
What were those Jim Croce lyrics?:
“You don't tug on superman's cape;
You don't spit into the wind.
You don't pull the mask off that old lone ranger;
And you don't mess around with Jim.”
Only in this case: “You don’t mess around with Roger.”
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Walt (Teach)
"Walt, make a 'mental bet' and lose your mind." R.N.S.
"The important thing is what I think of myself."
"David and Lisa" (1962)
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