Matt Cassell's father died on Monday and the QB of the Pats is attending to family matters in San Jose CA. Belichick non-committal on whether Cassell will be back in time to play on Sunday at Oakland.
Here's the story from today's Globe... < Back to Front Page Text size ? + Cassel's father passes away Email|Link|Comments (5)Posted by Chad Finn, Globe Staff December 10, 2008 03:22 PM Greg Cassel, the father of Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel, died Monday night. "Our thoughts are with him and his family during this time," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said during his afternoon press conference at San Jose State, where the team began preparations today for Sunday's game at Oakland. Belichick confirmed the quarterback has left the team to return home. Cassel is a native of Northridge, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles. "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." Belichick did not give any indication whether he expected Cassel to play Sunday. "From a football standpoint, we'll just handle [preparations] with the other guys, just like we normally would do in any other situation," Belichick said.
I think this happened early enough in the week that he'll be able to play. The team is playing on the west coast anyway so it's not like he has to fly all the way back here.
that sucks its gotta be really hard for him. im sure part of him just wants to be with his family right now. and im sure another part of him doesn't wanna let his teammates down on a playoff run, who are like a second family.
That's terrible, especially with Christmas just days away. Sounds like it was sudden and unexpected. Condolences and prayers to him and his family.
If the way Favre played on that Monday Nighter after his fater died is any indication, Cassel will be a man possessed on Sunday.
Can't help but feel a little glad that the guy was able to see his son succeed at the NFL level before his death. Imagine all those years watching your son sit on the bench behind other quarterbacks only to wonder what he could do if he had a shot. He must have died just a little gratified that he had that opportunity.
I agree. I believe an inner peace was found with seeing his son start on a high profile team like the Pats.
Heard about this on ESPN yesterday. Prayers go out to Matt's family. Must be tough especially with this being so close to the holidays. I still think Cassell will play tho no questions asked.
