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NFL’s Michael Bennett charged with injuring elderly paraplegic woman

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Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett watches during a game in 2017. A Harris County, Texas, grand jury has indicted the Philadelphia Eagles defensive end on a felony count of injury to the elderly for injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic who was working at NRG Stadium in Houston to control access to the field at Super Bowl 51, prosecutors said.

HOUSTON >> Authorities issued a warrant today for the arrest of Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett, accused of injuring a paraplegic woman as he tried get onto the field at last year’s Super Bowl to celebrate with his brother.

The Harris County district attorney’s office said the warrant was issued after a grand jury indicted Bennett on a felony count of injury to the elderly.

Bennett was a spectator at the game at NRG Stadium in Houston in February 2017 when he tried to get onto the field immediately afterward to see his brother, Martellus Bennett, a tight end for the Patriots at the time, officials said in a statement. Prosecutors allege he pushed through security personnel, including a 66-year-old disabled woman who had told him to use a different entrance to access the field.

The charge of injury to the elderly can be filed if a person intentionally or knowingly causes injury to a person 65 or older. It carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Harris County authorities say they’re talking with Bennett’s legal team about surrendering on the charge.

The Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month acquired Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks, where he became one of the dominant defensive linemen in the game. The Eagles and Bennett’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.

Bennett had 8 ½ sacks last season and has 54 in his nine-year career. The 32-year-old splits his time during the off-season between Hawaii and Seattle after marrying a local woman. He has also hosted football camps on Oahu in recent years.

Bennett has three years remaining on his contract, with a base salary of just $1.65 million in 2018, $6 million in 2019 and $7.5 million in 2020.

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