Patriots: Former linebacker bizarrely rips team’s treatment of players
By Mike Luciano
Cassius Marsh is a bit of a forgettable footnote in New England Patriots history, as he lasted just over half-season. While the California native, UCLA star, and Seahawks draftee has had a solid NFL career, mostly as a backup for seven different franchises, his name has ended up in the news for his comments about the Patriots more than it has for his play on the field.
Marsh has been on the record as an outspoken critic of “the Patriot Way” and the trappings that go with it, claiming that it isn’t “fun” to be a Patriot. Being laser-focused and less flashy might not appeal to some, but winning championships, which Bill Belichick is very good at doing, appeal to everyone.
Marsh, who recently joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, once again took some more shots at New England, even claiming that he has received praise and thanks from former Patriots players for speaking out on the culture in Foxborough.
On a podcast with comedian Tom Segura, Marsh said that the players get treated “like crap” in New England. I’m sure the fact he was let go after just nine games had nothing to do with quotes like these.
It's a funny story, really. https://t.co/RPsVQzYHJa
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) July 13, 2021
Cassius Marsh is not a fan of how the Patriots operate.
"“I also came from Seattle, which is like, fun, family, we shoot hoops before every meeting and it’s a competition every day,” Marsh said. “We’re riding scooters from meeting to meeting. Super fun, family, college vibes.”"
Marsh contrasted this against experiences in New England vs Seattle, which apparently couldn’t be more different.
The accusations that Marsh has brought against New England include, but are not limited to, not allowing players to have a genuine lunch period, listening to long history lectures in team meetings from Belichick, and ceasing any and all fun activities whenever the head coach was nearby.
To be fair to New England, Marsh only played in a handful of games, and the fact that he wanted to rush the passer while New England tasked him with covering running backs proves that he was never going to be a fit. Pitching a fit over playing time and angering Belichick, which by Marsh’s own admission means you’re done in New England, didn’t help.
The Patriots’ culture might not be for everyone. Some teams win like this, and some teams win being flashy and flamboyant. Both can work! Marsh comes off as a bit of a hater here, as the fact he was so aggrieved over New England’s practices nearly a half-decade ago is fairly surprising.
