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The 49ers claimed linebacker Cassius Marsh off waivers midway through last season. Marsh had previously been with the New England Patriots from September-November, but was more than happy to leave, saying he hated his time there in a revealing interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.
“I confronted (Patriots coach Bill Belichick) about all the things that were going on,” Marsh told Eric Branch. “I won’t get into detail, but it was B.S. things they were doing. I just wasn’t a fan. And so I, basically, without asking to get cut, I kind of asked to get cut. … I had confidence that I would have an opportunity elsewhere and I would take advantage of it.
“They don’t have fun there. There’s nothing fun about it. There’s nothing happy about it. I didn’t enjoy any of my time there, you know what I’m saying? It made me for the first time in my life think about not playing football because I hated it that much.”
Marsh isn’t the first player to criticize the “Patriot Way.” Shortly after winning the Super Bowl, Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson called New England a fear-based organization. Johnson, however, never played for the Patriots.
Marsh’s comments led to significant backlash from a number of Patriots fans, which he responded to in a now-deleted video post on reddit.
“I just want to address all you Patriots fans who don’t like this new article. I’m sorry to hurt your feelings. Seems to be breaking your heart. But if you can’t handle the truth, stay off my page. Don’t read articles. That’s how I felt. That’s how I still feel and I’m grateful to be away from there, grateful to be where I’m at,” he said, according to ProFootballTalk.com, which transcribed his comments.
Now, Marsh, 25, is happy where he is.
“Hopefully, I’ll be a Niner forever.”
In six games with the 49ers last season, Marsh had 10 tackles, two forced fumbles and two sacks.
