Patriots Stand Up Middle Schoolers

A Connecticut middle school won the opportunity to work out with Patriots players. They received a visit from a team intern, and some exercise videos.

It came about thanks to an NFL program designed to promote healthy kids. More than half of students at Lebanon (Conn.) Middle School participated in the Fuel Up To Play 60 program, and, with one of the highest participation rates, they were promised that members of the Patriots would come to their school and run exercise drills with them.

Instead, the hour featured a registered dietitian giving them tips on healthy eating and a communications intern from the New England Patriots playing kickboxing workout videos.

"The event was fun," said seventh-grader Tom Bergamo, who won a Fred Taylor jersey for being the most dedicated student to the program. "But I was hoping to see a Patriot. I even brought pens and notebooks so I could get autographs."

The school says they won't participate in the program next year. The team blamed the no-shows on the timing, saying it's hard to gather players together during the offseason. Also, Bill Belichick hates children.

Patriot no-show disappoint Lebanon students in NFL-sponsored fitness program [Norwich Bulletin]