Michael Bennett To Plead Not Guilty If Felony Charge Goes To Trial

The lawyer for Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett said his client will plead not guilty if his felony charge of injuring the elderly goes to trial.

Michael, the brother of recently-retired Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, allegedly forced his way onto the field at NRG Stadium after New England defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in 2017. In doing so, he injured a 66-year-old paraplegic woman.

Rusty Hardin, Michael Bennett’s lawyer, said a not guilty plea will be entered because, “The only two possible outcomes for this case is the DA’s office (saying) they don’t have a case and dismissing, or a trial — one or the other,” per ESPN’s Tim McManus.

“I just don’t think he did it,” Hardin told ESPN. “I think the bigger issue is there were a bunch of people going through that door, anywhere from 20 to 35 people rushing to go down on the field to see their loved ones and celebrate with them. He and his family were with a group of other Patriot family members, and when the game was over, these different families all went to the floor.”

The 32-year-old’s next hearing will be April 23, and Hardin indicated he doesn’t expect a plea request on that date. If charged, Michael Bennett could face up to 10 years in prison plus a $10,000 fine.