My money says that Butler was just a pawn in the hands of Bill Belichick's massive ego. If Butler was guilty of some "real" teem transgression...then the "laudable coaching move" would have been to keep him out of the game ENTIRELY. What sort of message is a coach sending to the "transgressing" player...when he uses him in the game only SPARINGLY?
I hope Butler DID have his money on the "over 49".
