A former NFL player who is known as a Super Bowl hero for his impressive 2015 interception was arrested for drunk driving last weekend, according to reports.
Malcolm Butler, 34, told police in North Providence, R.I., “just take me to jail,” per CBS News. Citing a police report, the outlet also said that the former football star was “sweating profusely” and had “extremely slurred and delayed speech along with severely bloodshot watery eyes.”
Butler played college football for the University of West Alabama.
“He made arguably the most iconic play in Super Bowl history to secure Patriots win over Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX. Butler is a two-time Super Bowl Champion, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection,” said the university.
According to Click 2 Houston, Butler – who lives in Missouri City, Texas – confirmed his retirement earlier this month during an interview at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
“I did the best I can do. Walking away from the game feeling comfortable. Everybody can do more, but I’m satisfied with my career. It’s time to move on and transition,” he said.
CBS News said that Butler was in North Providence March 16 in a white Mercedes Benz, blocking traffic on Mineral Soring Avenue at just after 3 a.m. He told an officer from the North Providence Police Department that he was coming from a studio in Providence.
That patrolman noticed that Butler had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and asked if he had been drinking. Then, Butler allegedly refused field sobriety tests and was arrested. He also refused a breathalyzer test at the police station.
Butler’s car was towed away. Authorities charged him with driving dunk and issued a summons to appear in court Thursday.
Former R.I. House Speaker John Harwood is Butler’s attorney, according to WPRI. He has filed a motion to dismiss or suppress the charge, and has argued that his client’s constitutional rights were violated.
“I think when they stopped him he wasn’t driving,” Harwood said. “He was off the road, and that he wasn’t driving tells me at least he was being responsible.”