A VIEW FROM THE BENCH

AS A PARENT, occasional coach, and educational administrator, I often heard parents complain to anyone who might listen that their son/daughter was forced to sit on the bench, in spite of perceived  superior athletic ability, because the coach just couldn't recognize his/her talents and capabilities.  It just never seemed to occur to these angry folks that their child might actually be benefiting from a valuable learning experience.  I offer the case of Matt Cassell, quarterback in residence of the New England Patriots, as a big league beneficiary of just such an experience.  As you know, Cassell is replacing Tom Brady who was injured and is out for the season.   When he was in college, Matt sat on the bench behind All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer.  When Palmer turned professional, Matt again sat on the bench behind another All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart.  Turning pro himself, Cassell was drafted by the Patriots where he sat on the bench for four years behind All-Pro Tom Brady.  Was he discouraged?  Did he quit?  Absolutely not!  He took advantage of the situation, educated himself, and learned well.  As a result of his positiveness and willingness to learn, Cassell was not just  ready to replace Brady,  he was so well prepared that he recently was honored as offensive player of the week.  Surely Matt always had ability, but he found himself behind those who had superior ability.  He had to work and work hard to add to his repertoire.  It was the equivalent of making the most of being on a debating team behind Franklin Roosevelt and then Winston Churchill.  As in athletics, America is a meritocracy where the best are ultimately recognized. Whether in sports, business, law, or any place in the world of work at large, we need to stop complaining that our talents aren't being recognized, take advantage of what opportunities we have, study, re-learn, and fully prepare ourselves to be better at what we do. Watch Matt Cassell this season as he works himself into a position to earn a multi-million dollar contract next year.  Sitting on the bench has paid off.