Michael Bennett Indicted on Injury of the Elderly Charge; Arrest Warrant Issued

John Froschauer/Associated Press

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett has been indicted by a grand jury in Harris County, Texas, on a felony charge of injury of the elderly, according to KHOU.com.

The charge comes after Bennett allegedly tried to force his way onto the field following the New England Patriots' 2017 Super Bowl win over the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium in Houston. Bennett was a spectator at the event, watching his brother Martellus Bennett play for the Patriots.

Per the KHOU.com report: "NRG Security personnel, including the 66-year-old disabled victim, told Bennett he had to use a different entrance for field access. Instead, he pushed through them, including the elderly woman who was part of the security team."

A warrant has been issued for Bennett's arrest. If convicted, Bennett could face a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison, with prosecutors seeking to prove that Bennett "intentionally and knowingly" caused "bodily injury to a person 65 years or older."

Houston PD said Bennett caused the woman to sprain her shoulder, per Liz Mathews of USA Today. The department also said Bennett told a police officer to "f--k off" before proceeding onto the football field.

Houston police chief Art Acevedo spoke about the charges facing Bennett, per Mark Berman of Fox 26:

The Eagles released a statement on Bennett, per Adam Schefterof ESPN:

“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.”

Philadelphia traded a fifth-round selection in the 2018 draft and wideout Marcus Johnson for Bennett and a seventh-round pick this offseason. He was expected to be a key member of the team's deep defensive line, which also includes Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Timmy Jernigan, Haloti Ngata, Derek Barnett and Chris Long. 

Now, however, his status for the 2018 season is up in the air given his potential legal issues.