The Sports Xchange

Cornerback Malcolm Butler may have been the hero of the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl victory, but that does not make him immune to discipline when he fails to meet his responsibilities.

Butler missed a flight to Boston because of weather issues and was late for the first practice of organized team activities (OTAs) on May 26. As a result he was held off the practice field for three weeks, the Boston Herald reported.

Butler had planned to be in Boston the day before OTAs began, but weather problems made that impossible. He also contacted team officials to let them know he would be late.

Butler had been absent during two recent open workouts, and it was unknown why he was not present until this information surfaced.

He is expected to be back on the field for Thursday’s workout.

Butler intercepted a pass by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at the goal-line with 20 seconds remaining to preserve the Patriots’ 28-24 victory in the Super Bowl.