The Las Vegas Raiders got a much-needed home victory over Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots to move to 3-3 on the season. But the more personal story took place after the game and involved Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler.
The Raiders signed Butler — a sixth-year veteran — to a reserve/future contract on Jan. 28, but he has played in all but one game so far this season. He even recorded his first sack of the season — and first since 2021 — against Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.
The game had a personal edge for Butler, who spent the first four years of his career with Belichick and the Patriots, getting to the Super Bowl in 2017 and winning the Super Bowl in 2018 with the team. Butler had hoped that he would get a nice reunion with Belichick before or after the game.
Instead, Butler was spurned altogether. And he chose to speak about the subject after the game and vent his frustration regarding it to the media via Logan Reever of 8 News Now:
“It did make me very upset that Bill (Belichick) didn’t have the respect to say anything to me after the game. Not to congratulate me, or to tell me I look good, don’t look good, whatever. Kiss my ass, just something. But he didn’t say anything. I kind of felt disrespected, it made me feel bad. I know Coach Belichick has bigger things to worry about, obviously. They’re going through a tough time, but at least wave, something. But you know, nothing.”
Butler is certainly right to feel upset about Belichick completely ignoring him before and after the game. Four years — two of which included runs to the Super Bowl — is not a small amount of time. Butler played in 70 total games over four seasons, including seven postseason games and two Super Bowls.
Butler gave Belichick the benefit of the doubt with regard to his focus, as the Patriots are in unfamiliar territory with a 1-5 record through six weeks. But even with that, Belichick easily could have acknowledged Butler in some way before or after the game.
Las Vegas looking to acquire another pass rusher
The Raiders made the decision to release Chandler Jones after signing him to a big-money contract. Now, they are reportedly in the market for another pass rusher. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report discussed the news and laid out some potential targets for Las Vegas.
