SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Michael Bennett #72 of the Seattle Seahawks walks the sidelines before the game against the Houston Texans at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)The New England Patriots suspended defensive lineman Michael Bennett for one game.
According to a statement from Bennett, he engaged in an altercation with his position coach. Following the confrontation, Bennett has been suspended for the team’s game against the New York Jets.
Here’s what the Pro Bowl defensive lineman had to say about the incident.
“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension. I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused,” Bennett said.
#Patriots veteran DL Michael Bennett has been suspended one week by the team for conduct detrimental, per @MikeGiardi and me. He was not at practice today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2019
The confrontation comes after Bennett played sparingly in the first six weeks of the season. He signed a one-year deal with the Patriots before the 2019 season, but hasn’t had the impact he wanted.
According to multiple reports, Bennett voiced his displeasure with the way he was being used on defense, which led to his one-game suspension.
It’s difficult to argue with the Patriots’ use of Bennett this season. New England boasts the No. 1 defense in the league and there’s no real reason to change what’s been working so far.
Next up for the Patriots is a Monday night game against Sam Darnold and the Jets – who just upset the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.
