An arrest warrant has been issued for Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive end Michael Bennett after he was indicted Friday by a Texas grand jury on a felony injury charge.
32-year-old Bennett has been accused of injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic woman who was working as a control director on the field following Super Bowl LI at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The football player was reportedly in town February 5, 2017, to see his brother Martellus Bennett (former NE Patriots star) play in the game. According to Harris County district attorney’s office, after the NE Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime Michael wanted to celebrate with his brother and shoved his way onto the field injuring the elderly woman. Security claimed they told Michael to use a different entrance for field access, but the defensive end did otherwise. The woman reportedly suffered a sprained shoulder.
“Mr. Bennett might think that he’s an NFL player, and at that time and place, he thinks he doesn’t have to answer to a police officer. I’m proud of the fact our department took the time to investigate this thoroughly,” said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.
Security personnel also alleged to police officials that Michael told them, “You all must not know who I am, and I can own this m—–f—–. I’m going down to the field, whether you like it or not.”
The injury to the elderly charge includes intentionally and knowingly causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older. If convicted, could face 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“His attorney has been made aware and our expectation is that he turns himself in before we catch him. If we find him on the streets, we’re gonna arrest him,” said Acevedo
Twitter user took to social media to express their skepticism of the charge after learning there is no video evidence of the incident.
I'm trying to remain unbiased here because Michael Bennett plays for the #Eagles. But some of this stuff just doesn't add up. There is no actual picture/video evidence of this incident at the Super Bowl and right now the only other witness is another officer? 🤔
— Justin Grasso (@JGrasso_) March 23, 2018
Michael Bennett who has been very vocal about cops and racial injustice gets randomly hit with a felony for trying to get on the field to celebrate with his brother at the Super Bowl in TEXAS. Math adding up to a set up https://t.co/F6ev8KCKtY
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) March 23, 2018
Notice how examples are being made of nearly every single football player who had the audacity to use their freedoms to speak out peacefully about police brutality: Kaepernick (not signed), Eric Reid (not signed) and now this highly suspect indictment of Michael Bennett…
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) March 23, 2018
These headlines make it out like Michael Bennett gave this lady a ddt or power slam in the squared circle. He pushed past a group of people and now is being made to look like a serial killer. The Austin Bomber received a more favorable headline. Sad.
— srburris (@srburris) March 23, 2018
The 32-year-old is currently out of the United States, but he plans to surrender himself once he returns, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
