NFL notebook: McDaniels rebuffs Colts

[February 07, 2018]  Hours after the Indianapolis Colts tweeted that Josh McDaniels agreed to be their new head coach, the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator changed his mind Tuesday.

McDaniels will remain on the job in New England.

The Colts issued a statement Tuesday night that read, "After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts' new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team. Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field."

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped convince McDaniels to stay in New England by "sweetening his contract" in the days since the team's 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the Super Bowl. ESPN's Mike Reiss added that Bill Belichick's status as the Patriots' head coach through 2018 and family stability were among McDaniels' major reasons for changing his mind on switching teams.

--New England Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler took to social media on Tuesday to push back at reports and speculation regarding his benching for Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis.

A report by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network indicated that Butler was benched for all but one play of the loss to the Eagles due to a "perfect storm" of issues, including illness that caused him to arrive from Boston a day after the rest of the team, a poor week of practice, a missed curfew and frustration.

Butler posted on Twitter and Instagram to say he spent every night of Super Bowl week with his family and that he neither broke curfew nor attended any concerts.

--The Carolina Panthers placed interim general manager Marty Hurney on paid leave as the NFL investigates harassment allegations brought up by Hurney's former wife, the team confirmed.

Hurney's ex-wife, Jeanne Hurney, told the Charlotte Observer on Tuesday that she has since withdrawn her original complaint regarding Marty Hurney, which stated he was "extremely controlling and was verbally and emotionally abusive" during the marriage, and alleged that he repeatedly violated her privacy, including breaking into her home and classroom and leaving behind threatening notes.

The judge who heard Jeanne Hurney's complaint said there was no evidence of domestic violence toward her on Marty Hurney's part, according to the Observer. District Judge Ronald Chapman refused to issue an immediate restraining order against Marty Hurney for Jeanne Hurney, and a follow-up hearing set for Feb. 16 is no longer expected to take place after Jeanne Hurney's withdrawal of the complaint, Kathi Lucchesi, one of Marty Hurney's lawyers, tells ESPN.

 

--After watching Tom Brady's receiving skills cost the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown couldn't help but poke some fun at his AFC rivals.

Brown tweeted at former Steeler and current Patriots linebacker James Harrison on Monday night, writing, "tell your guy @tombrady I know he lost his trainer so if he want to get those hands right (hit me up) this off season." Brown paired the text with a photo of Brady dropping a pass from wide receiver Danny Amendola on a trick play during Sunday's game.

--Cornerback David Amerson was released by the Oakland Raiders, who save $21 million against the salary cap over the next three seasons.

Amerson started six games in 2017 and was two years into a four-year extension. By releasing Amerson two days before his contract was guaranteed, the Raiders will not count any of his deal against the salary cap in 2018.

--President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday morning and called the accident that claimed the life of Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson "disgraceful."

"So disgraceful that a person illegally in our country killed @Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson. This is just one of many such preventable tragedies. We must get the Dems to get tough on the Border, and with illegal immigration, FAST!," Trump wrote.

The suspect in the case, Manuel Orrego-Savala, 37, had been deported twice -- in 2007 and 2009 -- according to Indiana State Police.

--Police are investigating a suspected burglary at the Foxborough, Mass., home of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Investigators said Tuesday the home invasion took place while Gronkowski was in Minneapolis with the Patriots preparing for Super Bowl LII. When he returned to his home Monday, Gronkowski reported the potential crime to police and suggested "safes and possible guns" were missing.

--Field Level Media

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