The elderly woman who says Eagles defensive lineman Michael Bennett shoved her at the Super Bowl last year is speaking for the first time.
Last week, a Houston grand jury indicted Bennett on a felony charge of injury to the elderly in relation to an alleged incident at NRG Stadium following Super Bowl LI. According to the Harris County district attorney's office, Bennett shoved past security to reach the field, so he could celebrate the Patriots' win with his brother, Martellus.
One of the people who Bennett allegedly shoved was a 66-year old paraplegic woman in a wheelchair. In an interview with USA Today's A.J. Perez, her attorney said she suffered a shoulder injury that required medical treatment. He also wouldn't rule out a lawsuit against the Pro Bowler. The woman has until February 2019 to decide whether she wants to file a suit.
When reached by phone, the woman said she was "OK."
Bennett appeared in court Monday and was released from custody after posting $10,000 bail. The maximum penalty for injury to the elderly, a felony charge, is up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Bennett's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told USA Today his client is innocent. "When all the true facts come out, this was either a misunderstanding or a gross exaggeration," he said.
The curious timing of the indictment, and its severity, has raised some questions about the case's legitimacy. There is no video evidence of the apparent incident.
The Eagles said this week they stand by Bennett, whom they acquired from the Seahawks last month.
