Sad news out of New England today, as Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel left the team for the time being after the death of his father, Greg Cassel, as reported by the Boston Globe. It's still uncertain as to how long Cassel will be away from the team, or if it will have an impact on his availability for Sunday's game in Oakland.
"Right now we're just taking it day to day," said Belichick, who said he was not sure when Cassel would return. "He's going to take care of what he has to do." Belichick, whose father, Steve, passed away during the 2005 season, sympathized with Cassel's situation. "It's bigger than football," Belichick said. "I've been through that during the season as well, a personal situation you just have to deal with, and as I said, our thoughts and prayers are with him."The Patriots are already in California for this week's game, after playing in Seattle this past Sunday, so it's likely that he'll be available for action, as Cassel is from the Los Angeles area. Though, I certainly wouldn't begrudge him if he weren't ready to return to the field.
During the 2003 season, while still playing for the Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre took the field the day after his father passed away and had one of his signature performances -- coincidentally, it too was against the Oakland Raiders -- completing 22-of-30 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-7 win on Monday night.
Earlier this season, Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant suited up just one day after the funeral for his three-month old son, and kicked three field goals, including the game-winner, in a 30-21 over the Green Bay Packers.
Thoughts and prayers, Matt Cassel, we're all rooting for you this week.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-10-2008 @ 8:28PM
Earl M. Lowman said...
May God Bless you and your Family.
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12-10-2008 @ 11:00PM
Vandrook said...
What the hell is up with the comparisons about quick rebound to the field. Are you kidding me? Is it a dare? "Brett Favre got back into it, Matt Bryant..." What does that have to do with Cassel? Gime a break. Everyone deals with this type of thing in their own personal way. If you don't begrudge then don't compare. God bless him and his family.
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12-10-2008 @ 11:00PM
Adam Gretz said...
Easy, tex. I wasn't challenging him to get back on the field, as I clearly said, "I wouldn't begrudge him if he didn't."
It was just a mention of players that were in similar situations and how they performed.
12-11-2008 @ 12:12AM
Jp said...
Farves Dad died on a late sunday night and he played Monday night I think. It's not as if it interfered with wakes, funerals, buriels, etc. And, he was already IN Cali when he learned of it. Cassel's Dad died Mid week so the arrangements need to be made say Th Fr Saturday, I'd bet. The timing was right for Farve. Not for Matt. I am a Pats fan, but Matt needs to help his family. And as soon as Farve won the game, he flew home to his family. Not WI.
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12-11-2008 @ 9:58AM
mike whited said...
who is the number 3 qb..if Matt doesn't play?
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12-11-2008 @ 2:39PM
lk said...
The number three qb is Kevin O Connell. They drafted him this year. RIP Greg Cassel.
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12-16-2008 @ 10:04AM
joan said...
TO MATT AND HIS FAMILY SO SORRY THAT YOUR FATHER PASS ON. I LOST MY FATHER NOVEMBER 22 2008 . ITS A HEART ACHE. AND IT IS TIME THAT IT WILL HEAL A LONG TIME. MY BROTHER DIE IN JANUARY TOO . SO ILL SAY A PRAY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU JOAN
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