Michael Bennett indicted for injuring elderly paraplegic at Super Bowl LI

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A Texas grand jury indicted Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Michael Bennett on Friday for injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic security staffer at the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston, according to a press release from the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Bennett has been charged with injury to the elderly, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, according to the release. Rusty Hardin, the famed Houston defense attorney who has represented Roger Clemens and other high-profile clients, told USA TODAY Sports that Bennett is currently out of the country and plans to surrender Monday.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo called Bennett, whose charitable efforts have been well-documented, "morally bankrupt" in a news conference Friday. Hardin said in a phone interview the he's still gathering details of the case, although he's "concerned about the rhetoric" conveyed by police.

"My initial reaction is that everyone needs to calm down a little bit," Hardin said. "He's a professional football player who is very respected for his work on social issues. I'm going to take my time to find out what occurred."

According to the district attorney's office, Bennett was at Super Bowl LI as a spectator to watch his brother, tight end Martellus Bennett, play for the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons. While attempting to get onto the field after the game to celebrate with his brother, Michael Bennett shoved a security staffer who had asked him to use a different entrance for field access, according to the release.

More: Martellus Bennett announces NFL retirement on social media

Acevedo said Bennett allegedly told the people he had pushed, " 'You all must know who I am and I can own this (expletive). I'm going down to the field, whether you like it or not.'

"Mr. Bennett may think that because he's an NFL player and some time passed ... he may have thought that, No. 1, rules don't apply to him, No. 2, he doesn't have to respect the dignity of a paraplegic woman who's trying to earn a living."

Bennett, 32, has been selected to three Pro Bowls in his nine-year NFL career, which included stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, most recently, Seattle Seahawks. Bennett was traded from the Seahawks to Philadelphia earlier this month.

"We are aware of the situation involving Michael Bennett and are in the process of gathering more information," the Eagles said in a statement to multiple media outlets Friday afternoon. "Because this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."

Bennett's agent did not immediately reply to a request for comment from USA TODAY Sports.

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Contributing: A.J. Perez, The Associated Press

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad and Perez @byajperez