Tim McManus, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Jenkins: Houston P.D. 'trying to make an example' of Bennett

Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins threw his support behind teammate Michael Bennett during a session with the media Tuesday while offering his view from afar on Bennett's legal situation.

"I've talked to him, obviously, before all of this and since, just to encourage him," Jenkins said. "But my take on it is, from the outside looking in, not necessarily knowing all the details but just kind of using common sense, it seems like they're trying to make an example out of him."

Bennett was indicted by a grand jury in Harris County, Texas, in March on a felony charge of injury to the elderly related to an incident at NRG Stadium following Super Bowl LI.

Bennett allegedly shoved his way onto the field after the game as his brother, former Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, and his teammates were gathering to celebrate. According to a release from the district attorney's office, NRG security personnel, including a 66-year-old paraplegic woman, told Bennett that he had to use a different entrance for field access, but the defensive end pushed through them, including the woman.

Houston police chief Art Acevedo said Bennett allegedly told the people he had pushed, "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 woman suffered a sprained shoulder, according to Acevedo. The injury to the elderly charge includes intentionally and knowingly causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Bennett's next court appearance in Harris County is set for April 23, court documents show. His attorney, Rusty Hardin, does not expect a plea request on that date but said his client will enter a not guilty plea if his case goes to trial.

"I just don't think he did it," Hardin told ESPN. "He certainly didn't do anything intentionally or negligibly or recklessly push or hurt her. Now, did something else happen to her from somebody else? I just don't know. ... I just know that this guy would never intentionally or knowingly push her or do anything to somebody in a wheelchair. That just didn't happen."

Bennett is part of the Players Coalition co-founded by Jenkins, which joined into a partnership with the league that calls for an $89 million contribution over seven years to projects dealing with criminal justice reform, law enforcement/community relations and education.

Bennett, who has a foundation focused on assisting youth and promoting social equity, is one of the more outspoken and active players in the NFL when it comes to social justice causes. Jenkins' enthusiasm about having Bennett with him in Philadelphia has not waned amid the legal issues.

"Hopefully those things will work out in his favor," Jenkins said. "He's a guy that I was excited when we signed him and got him here, so still looking forward to him being a part of this team and being a part of this community because I think he's somebody that cares, somebody that works hard. Obviously, he's a great athlete, but a great human being as well."

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