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Alan Branch on Malcolm Butler’s benching: ‘I didn’t know anything’

Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch said he was not clued in about Malcolm Butler’s status for Super Bowl LII.

“I didn’t know anything, honestly,” he shared on WEEI’s “Dale & Holley with Keefe” Tuesday. “On our team, gossip doesn’t travel. Let’s just say that.”

Branch told the local radio hosts he wasn’t informed in advance that Butler was not going take a defensive snap against the Eagles — a coaching decision by Bill Belichick that continues to perplex many. Branch’s comments run contrast to those made by safety Devin McCourty, who recently said the team was aware Butler would not be playing for at least part of the game.