The Houston Police Department held a press conference on Friday afternoon to discuss Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett’s indictment for injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic woman.
Chief of Police Art Acevedo addressed the matter and here’s some of what he had to say.
Bennett was in Houston on Feb. 5, 2017 to watch his brother Martellus Bennett, who was playing for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. According to the district attorney’s office, Michael Bennett allegedly shoved his way onto the field following the Patriots’ win to go and celebrate with his brother, despite NRG security personnel telling him that he had to use a different entrance for field access. One of the security personnel was the paraplegic woman.
Here’s what Bennett allegedly told the security, according to Acevedo.
“You all must 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 paraplegic woman suffered a sprained shoulder, according to Acevedo.
“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 police officer. I’m proud of the fact our department took the time to investigate this thoroughly.”
Acevedo stated that there is no video or photographic evidence of the situation, that one officer witnessed the alleged incident take place. Michael Bennett’s sister has since used Twitter to say that she has video of the matter, but lawyers won’t let her post it.
From Michael Bennett’s little sister: pic.twitter.com/4UWKkGAK2R
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 23, 2018
Acevedo explained that the Houston PD has been in touch with the NFL about the incident. He called for Bennett to turn himself in as soon as possible. The reason why the indictment has been brought up 14 months following the alleged incident is because the department had more important cases prioritized first.
The Eagles have since released a statement on the incident.
“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.”
Stay tuned for more updates on this situation.
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