Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett will turn himself in to Houston police on Monday, his lawyer reportedly told USA Today.
Bennett, who is represented by Rusty Hardin, was indicted last week by a Texas grand jury on a felony injury of the elderly charge for an incident following Super Bowl LI, but was out of the country at the time.
According to the Harris County district attorney’s statement, Bennett injured a 66-year-old paraplegic woman while trying to push his way on to the field from the stands on Feb. 5, 2017 in Houston. Bennett was at the game as a spectator watching his brother Martellus play for the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons.
Bennett, 32, is charged with intentionally and knowingly causing bodily injury to a person 65 years or older. The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $ 10,000 US fine.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Bennett was told by stadium security personnel that he had to use a different entrance to gain access to the field. But he ignored security members and shoved his way on to the field and injured the disabled woman, who was in a wheelchair.
Michael Bennett was a member of the Seattle Seahawks at the time of the incident. He was recently traded to the Eagles.
Multiple outlets reported that the Eagles weren’t aware of the situation when they traded for Bennett. “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,” the team said in a statement on Friday.
