PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI) — Former New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is not allowed to drive in Rhode Island, a judge ruled on Friday.
The recently retired NFL star was arrested earlier this month in North Providence for allegedly driving under the influence.
He pleaded not guilty at his district court arraignment on Thursday, then again through his attorney, John Harwood, at the Traffic Tribunal on Friday.
Harwood said he’s now in the process of reviewing evidence provided by North Providence police.
“[Butler’s] not saying much. He’s waiting to see where all the evidence lands,” Harwood said. “I can say this: I met him for the first time the other day and he’s truly a nice young man and upon talking to him, I learned he does a lot for the community and a lot for the youth of the country for that matter , wherever he travels.”
“I was very impressed by him, so we’re sitting back to see what the evidence will say,” he added.
According to the police report, officers saw a car stopped in the westbound lane of Mineral Spring Avenue, blocking traffic.
Butler told police he was coming from a studio in Providence where he was making music, according to the report.
An officer wrote in the report Butler smelled like alcohol, was slurring his speech, and had bloodshot, watery eyes.
Police said Butler was “sweating profusely,” and when officers asked him if he’d been drinking alcohol, he told them, “Just take me to jail.”
He was taken to the police station where he refused to take a chemical test.
“I’ll wait to review all of the evidence and take a look at any and all statements Mr. Butler made,” Harwood added.
Butler’s license is suspended in Rhode Island starting at midnight however, that doesn’t exclude him from driving outside the state.