HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Michael Bennett, a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, was taken into police custody after appearing in a Harris County courtroom Monday afternoon for an indictment.
Bennett, 32, is facing a third-degree felony charge following allegations he injured a 66-year-old and wheelchair-bound NRG security guard during Superbowl LI in 2017. A Harris County grand jury indicted Bennett on Friday.
The judge set his bond at $10,000 and instructed Bennett to have no contact with the victim.
The NFL player came to Houston to watch his younger brother Martellus Bennett of the New England Patriots. Investigators claim the older Bennett shoved the victim while making his way to the field for the post-game celebration along with several other player families and friends.
NRG security personnel told Bennett he would have to use a different entrance for field access. Bennett allegedly ignored the employees’ request and pushed his way through security, shoving people— including the elderly woman who was part of the security team.
[RAW VIDEO: Michael Bennett’s attorney Rusty Hardin speaks after player taken into custody]
“When this is all over, everybody will no that Michael is not guilty— he didn’t do this,” Bennett’s attorney Rusty Hardin said. “The furthest from anybody’s imagination; if you look at this guys career, his personality, his family, he would never assault — not only an elderly person — but any disabled person.”
The attorney added the Houston Police Department and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office do not have the entire story.
“I’m not going to fault the DA’s office for that at all. They presented what they have to a grand jury, but they didn’t have everything,” Hardin said.
Bennett has been charged with injury to the elderly, which includes intentionally and knowingly causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older. The offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison a $10,000 fine.