Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler was removed from Monday’s Bears-Patriots joint practice session by Patriots coach Bill Belichick after Butler fought with Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Belichick has a strict no fighting rule for joint practice sessions. Even though practice reports said other Bears players coming to the aid of Jeffery escalated the situation, Butler was still escorted inside.
A former undrafted rookie turned Super Bowl hero, Butler is again expected to start at cornerback for the Patriots. He started all 16 games and had two interceptions last season.
The Patriots hosted joint practices with the Saints last week before the teams played their preseason opener, and the Patriots play the Bears this week. Belichick has always been a fan of putting his team through controlled practice work but never has been a fan of fists flying in those sessions.