Michael Bennett's Lawyer Calls Felony Charge from Super Bowl 51 'Ludicrous'

A lawyer for Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett called the felony charge of injury to the elderly filed against his client following an alleged incident at Super Bowl LI "ludicrous."

On Saturday, attorney Rusty Hardin told Zack Rosenblatt of NJ Advance Media the situation, in which Bennett is accused of injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic member of the security team following the NFL title game at NRG Stadium in Houston last year, wasn't violent.

"There was no fighting, there was no pushing," Hardin said. "The entire thing is ludicrous. That's what I think we'll find when it's all over."

Houston Police Department chief Art Acevedo held a press conference after the felony charge was announced and called Bennett's alleged actions "pathetic."

"He's morally bankrupt," Acevedo told reporters. "There's no excuse for that. None. Zero."

He added the woman involved, who uses an 800-pound motorized wheelchair, suffered a sprained shoulder.

Bennett was trying to access the field to celebrate with his brother, former New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, when security stopped him. Hardin explained to Rosenblatt that there was a misunderstanding and his client had the proper credentials.

"The people they were trying to stop (Bennett and his family) had badges that said they could go on the field," Hardin said. "That always is the case at the Super Bowl. They always let the players down with their families to celebrate with their loved ones."

He also said Acevedo's comments on the matter were "uninformed."

Bennett is due back in court April 23, but Hardin said he may try to move the next appearance as he continues to gather information.