Michael Bennett indicted on felony charges

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly editor 

There was much excitement from fans after the trade that brought Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett to Philadelphia, but it appears that the honeymoon is over and one of the newest Eagles could have their status for the upcoming season in jeopardy. 

A warrant has been issued for Bennett's arrest after he was indicted on felony charges for injuring a paraplegic employee at Super Bowl LI, where his brother Martellus won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. The incident in question occurred when Michael Bennett attempted to get on to the field to celebrate with his brother. Staff informed Bennett that he needed to use a different entry point and Bennett allegedly neglected their instructions and pushed through staff members which included a 66-year old paraplegic woman that he injured in the process. 

The report has been confirmed by Adam Schefter of ESPN, among others:

District Attorney of Harris
County, Texas announced it has indicted Eagles’ DE Michael Bennett for felony charge for injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic working at NRG Stadium to control access to field at SuperBowl LI. A warrant has been issued for Bennett’s arrest.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2018

According to KHOU, a CBS affiliate in Houston, "The charge, injury to the elderly, includes intentionally and knowingly, causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older. It carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine."

Bennett was formally introduced as a member of the Eagles last week. Prosecutors are working to gain the peaceful surrender of Bennett through his counsel. 

According to a report from Derrick Gunn of NBC Sports Philadelphia, neither the Eagles or Seattle Seahawks were aware of this incident:

According to a league source the Seahawks and the Eagles were not aware of this MIchael Bennett incident.

— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunnNBCS) March 23, 2018

UPDATE

The Houston Police department held a press conference prior to 4:00 p.m. on March 23, 2018 led by Chief Art Acevedo, who divulged more information regarding the Michael Bennett incident. 

Bennett reportedly forced his way through locked stadium doors in an attempt to enter the field, injuring NRG Stadium staff in the process. The victims included the aforementioned 66-year old paraplegic woman, another younger woman, and a male staff member. The paraplegic woman received medical treatment and prescription medication. 

Bennett allegedly swore at the staff, saying "f* you" and "you all must not know who I am, and I could own this m***** f*****," when he was told that he was not permitted to enter. 

Acevedo said that there is no video of the incident. A detective for the case said that there were no pictures taken of the crime scene. 

Acevedo requested that Bennett return himself in promptly to the Houston Police Department. 

An officer who was present at the scene tended to the victims rather than keeping Bennett from proceeding on to the field because the officer felt that Bennett was not going to present an additional threat on the field after the alleged assault according to Acevedo. 

Acevedo said that Bennett is facing up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

The key witness in this case is the officer who elected to not arrest Bennett at the scene. Acevedo says that it took the Houston Police Department a year to pursue this case because of other cases taking priority. 

The Eagles have 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.”