Michael Bennett Arrives At Training Camp, Thankful Belichick 'Sees You As A Human'
FOXBORO (CBS) – New Patriots defensive lineman Michael Bennett's absence from training camp came to an end on Sunday.
Bennett, who the Patriots acquired in a trade with the Eagles this offseason, had missed the first three days of camp due to an excused absence.
On Sunday, Bennett took the field with his teammates wearing a No. 77 practice jersey.
The exact reason for Bennett's absence has not been disclosed. After practice, Bennett described the situation as a "family issue" and said there was no truth to rumors he was considering retirement.
"I had a personal reason. I didn't retire, I heard everybody said that I retired. I was laughing at home – laughing – like no, I didn't retire," Bennett said. "No, I just had a family issue that I had to go take care of. I was lucky Coach [Bill] Belichick – it's nice when you have a coach that sees you as a human, sees you as a human being, not just a number and you're able to go talk to him, tell him what's going on, and you're able to go take care of it. That just makes you want to play harder for a coach. When he believes in you, and lets you take care of your family first."
