Ben Watson Gives Emotional Statement About Release From Patriots

The New England Patriots decided to play their regular season without Ben Watson. The veteran tight end was released on Monday, but he doesn’t hold any grudges against the team. Watson went on WEEI’s Orway, Merloni and Fauria, and discussed his release.

“No I wouldn’t categorize it as bitterness. Definitely disappointed and sad about the situation,” Watson said. “It’s different when it’s just you, but when you’re a father, a husband and making decisions with your family, there is more to consider and it adds to it. It’s one thing for me to deal with being released, but telling my kids and then having them go to school and deal with it, all of that goes into it.

“I understand the business side of it. I wish I had earned a roster spot, but obviously, I didn’t do enough. I do know when it comes to football, it’s a team sport and it’s about momentum and camaraderie. Coaches make decisions on what they think is the best grouping of players for their roster.”

Watson wasn’t active on Sunday. The Patriots had to activate him until Monday afternoon. He was waiting for the decision, but nothing happened until Monday’s 4 p.m. deadline. Watson is disappointed, but he is happy that head coach Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio decided to inform him.

“I do think the fact that both of them came into the room and both spoke to me, I appreciated that. I appreciate they didn’t send someone to tell me and I didn’t have to find out on Twitter,” said Watson. “We had a conversation about the release, but also about the past 15 years of football in general and other things.”

Watson is focused on his family at the moment. They moved to New England, and will stay here for the rest of the year.

“Honestly, I’m not in a place where I’m thinking about that right now. I’m thinking what just happened and processing that,” he said. “Thinking about what are our options going forward and what I’m going to do. No decisions yet about playing or not playing. Really just dealing with what just happened, not what may or may not happen in the future.

“The bottom of rosters are very fluid, injuries happen and there are different needs at different times,” he added. “I don’t know how that’s all going to play out. Any organization never totally moves on from a player, because you may have a need.”

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