Matt Cassel back with team

OK... now back to business...

Ok.... now back to business...?!?!?! Are you serious? That is very insensitive. The man just lost his father. I wouldn't blame him if he missed Sundays game or the rest of the regular season. Also, I applaud his courageous effort this past week. I love the Pats as much as anyone, but football is a sport, a GAME. Family is more important than anything. If football is the best thing for Matt right now (I hope it is) that's great. If not it's very understandable. I wish Matt and his family my very best during this very difficult time, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.

Business is with his family, Greg...not the football team. How insensitive!

Greg, you are a moron.

Greg. You get to play one game, one play. It is going to be in the AFC Championship game vs. the Steelers. You are going across the middle and the play will be designed that the pass will be tipped and you will get drilled by a questionable hit.

Grow a conscience, man....

Greg - get a life. I agree with the other postings! Family first. At least Belichick knows how he feels and has a heart, he lost his father in 2005. What more do you want from that poor kid? Despite suffering the loss, he played his heart out for everyone. And who knows? Maybe that's how he chose to deal with his grief and used playing as a distraction. In any case - if he needed the rest of the week off incuding Sunday's game, I doubt Mr. Kraft or the coaches would have denied him that right.

Hate to stick up for Greg, but football is Mr. Cassell's job. Most of us get to take maybe a week, if that, even for the death of a parent and are then expected back at work. As much as I can feel for someone who just lost his father, why is football any different from the real world?

Another classy move by the Kraft Family. Nice of them to do that for Brady upon the birth of his son and then for Matt. Who wouldn't want to be a Patriot.

Glad Matt was there for the game too. From what we've read, I bet his father would have wanted him to compete.

He stepped up and was there with his family when they needed him, now he needs to get back to business. that's all. besides, he's staring $20 million guaranteed in the face, he'd be an idiot to take the time off and show other teams he can't play through hardship. He got a few days off as we all would when we lose a loved one, now he's back at work.

Dave, I would hate to be your son. You have your priorities screwed on wrong. Yes, football is his job, but it is just that - a JOB. His family is his LIFE. He takes the time he needs, then comes back to his job. But not until he AND his family are comfortable with it. I can't believe the insensitive types that love to come on here and stir things up.

Relax folks....these blogs are full of people just looking to stir the pot and create trouble. 99.9% of the fans would understand the concept of family coming before football. And I do believe that his father was such a big fan and got so much enjoyment from watching his son get his chance to lead the patriots that he would want him to play this weekend. Not many fathers get to see their sons play quarterback for an NFL team and I'm sure that made him very proud.

BL's post shows cluelessness & ignorance. Obviously, BL has neither family who cares for him, nor money. Therefore, we cannot blame BL completely as he is likely the product of a poor environment. $20 million or $200 million makes NO difference when compared to family. Matt CHOSE to come back to the team & perhaps play through grief. He was not REQUIRED to come back & Matt's decision was his own. BL is the idiot here, not Matt Cassel.

Football is not a game and football is not a sport. Football is a multi-billion dollar BUSINESS. The nature of that business dictates that if you are missing, you will be replaced. Ask Mr Brady. Mr Cassel intends to cash in on that business next season. If he wants the millions of dollars headed his way he needs to earn them at his place of business.

i agre with dave. look, the fans matter. we matter. i've been a pats fan 30 years. cassel, crying time's over. it's back to work for you, win some games for us man. and don't ever forget what's important.

Wow, Greg is ripped for writing five words which apparently many of you have taken the liberty to interpret however you like. I'm always surprised how quickly these message boards become senseless bickering. Think about all the different ways Greg could mean that phrase. Looks pretty innocuous to me. You people are all idiots.

Hi All, in a way, I think most of us are saying the same thing. Family is FIRST, no matter what. But I think both Greg Cassel and the rest of Matt's immediate family would agree that this is a critical juncture in Matt's blossoming career. I feel that Greg would be fuming in the great beyond if his son hurt his team's chances at success while mourning his life/death, especially when his fathering seemed to be about empowering his chlldrens's opportunities for reaching their incredible potential. As a dad myself, I would be saying, "don't you short-change your team-mates, your new family, just to show me respect". I think there is a balance there, based on the individual and the ciircumstances, and Matt has done the appropriate thing with his two trips home, but his dad would be BS if he checked-out on his mates now....

Poteat's got the point spot-on& exact. BL is still an idiot. Dittoes to poteat. Of course Matt would not intentionally jeopordize his career or the team. The Kraft's realize how important family is. Hence, Matt's use of the Kraft private jet. Its all about balance & the Kraft family gets that, as well as the Cassel family. BTW: Please remind BL there is no such thing as a guaranteed contract in professional football....