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Patriots suspend Michael Bennett, lineman claims ‘disagreement’ with Bret Bielema led to suspension
By Keith Farner
Published:
Former Texas A&M DL Michael Bennett is facing a team suspension from the New England Patriots following what he calls a “philosophical disagreement” with his position coach, who happens to be former Arkansas coach Bret Bielema, who is in his second season.
“On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension. I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused,” Bennett said in a statement to ESPN’s Jordan Schultz. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Giardi reported that Bennett’s one-week suspension was for conduct detrimental to the team. He was not at practice today.
In 6 games this season, Bennett has tallied 2.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, and 5 total tackles.
Bennett has played in the NFL since 2009 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles, who traded Bennett to the Patriots in the offseason.
The 6-foot-4, 274-pounder has played in 12 postseason games with 10 starts and 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
Bennett was a member of the Super Bowl XLVIII Champion and 2014 NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks teams.
Bennett recorded 42 tackles and 2 sacks as a full-time starter at Texas A&M in 2008, and wamed honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2007.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
