Ex-Seahawk Michael Bennett indicted for alleged Super Bowl LI incident

Former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett has been indicted by a grand jury in Harris County, Texas for allegedly injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic woman at Super Bowl LI in 2017.

According to a statement from the Office of Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Bennett is being charged with injury to the elderly, which includes intentionally and knowingly, causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older. It is a felony charge that carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A warrant has been issued for Bennett’s arrest as a result of the indictment. Per the statement from the Harris County D.A., prosecutors are working with Bennett’s counsel regarding his surrender.

Bennett allegedly shoved his way onto the field at Houston’s NRG Stadium at the conclusion of the game after being told to use a different entrance to access the field. The elderly woman was a member of the security team.

Bennett’s brother, Martellus Bennett, was in the Super Bowl as a tight end for the New England Patriots.

At the time of the alleged incident, Bennett was still a member of the Seahawks. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month.

The Eagles have released a statement regarding the allegations against Bennett, according to ESPN Eagles reporter Tim McManus: “We are aware of the situation involving Michael Bennett and are in the process of gathering more information. Because this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that the indictment of Bennett took over a year due to more important cases taking priority. He added that there is no video of the incident but it was witnessed by a police officer.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Acevedo said Bennett “forcibly opened locked doors,” ignored security and pushed security team members on his way to the field. Acevedo also quoted Bennett as saying, “”Y’all must know who I am, and I can own this (expletive). I’m going on the field whether you like it or not.”

Acevedo called Bennett “morally bankrupt,” adding “I think it’s pretty pathetic that you’d put your hands on a 66-year-old paraplegic and treat them like they don’t exist.”

This is not the first case involving an NFL player stemming from Super Bowl LI to be investigated by the Houston PD. The department tracked a stolen jersey of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady used in the game.

Prior to the 2017 NFL season, Bennett had an encounter in Las Vegas where he said he was held at gunpoint by a police officer.

Bennett is scheduled to be in Seattle on April 9 for an event at Seattle University promoting his book, “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable.”

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