[habernac]

Butler's former coach on second chances:

It was nearly over for Malcolm Butler before it barely began.
His freshman season with the Vicksburg High School Gators was a flash of dazzle, a burst of athleticism and promise that prompted Alonzo Stevens to dream of something grand. Butler played receiver and defensive back, exhibiting an unusual meld of confidence and humility.


"And that smile,'' Stevens said. "Worth a million dollars. Even when he did something boneheaded, it was hard to get mad at him.''
The coach was mesmerized by Malcolm Butler, but his rules were firm: no grades, no pads.
Butler knew that, but he didn't care much about school. All he wanted to do was play football. When Stevens had to notify Butler his poor academic standing had cost him his roster spot, the coach was crushed.

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/...second-chances