FOXBOROUGH -
A day after it was first reported by the Boston Herald that Malcolm Butler had been kept off the practice field for arriving late to Patriots organized team activities, the Super Bowl hero met with the media.
Butler admitted the time off the field was tough to stomach.
"Most definitely, when you take anything from somebody that they love," said Butler. "It was tough, but it is what it is."
Head Coach Bill Belichick wasn't interested in discussing the Butler issue and was terse in his responses to questions.
"(He's) been out there," said Belichick. "Everybody that's out there is working hard. Guys that aren't out there, we hope we get them back soon."
When asked if he had a response to the report that Butler's absence was related to discipline, Belichick said, "No."
"Today wasn't my first day," said Butler. "I've been here all week, so I focus on everything. Getting better, footwork, communication with the teammates. Everything - everything to win."
During his absence from the practice field, Butler still engaged with his teammates in the meeting rooms and weight room.
"I got out here today and don't feel like I missed a step, so I feel pretty confident," said Butler. "Just continue to grind, get mental reps and that's all you can do. Whatever went on that practice, I asked questions about that. The film going to tell it all, so that's basically it."
Butler's goal for this offseason is simple.
"Do everything better that I didn't do last year," said Butler. "Get better at my weak points and do it better this year.
"There's a big opportunity that I don't want to mess up, so I have to prepare myself the best way that I can, so that's what I'm going to do."
