My biggest benching was before the 2012 Olympics. It kind of came out of nowhere. I just kind of had one bad half, 45 minutes, and it pretty much cost me my starting spot.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I will not be on the bench until I am 60 or 65 years old.
Everybody always asks me, 'How much can you bench?' I'm like, 'I don't know. I don't lift weights.' Now that I'm in college, we lift weights every once in a while, but not maxing out. We do things with a weight vest on... That surprises people, too, how strong you can get by just basically lifting your body all the time.
It's annoying to be on the bench - it's truly annoying - but it's a test you have to overcome, and that's how you progress. It's difficult because all you want is to be able to help the team, and when you're on the bench, you can't.
All I've done is my job, and I intend to continue doing it. And I'm not especially worried about the criticism that comes from the bench.
I don't bench press, but I use machines to work 10-12 muscle groups. Biceps, triceps, a few things for the back, calves, shoulders and so on - and then I'll go on the running machine, cross-trainer or mountain climber.
Truly, the bench is a boon to idlers. Whoever first came up with the idea is a genius: free public resting places where you can take time out from the bustle and brouhaha of the city, and simply sit and watch and reflect.
London was my first Olympics, but I tried for three beforehand. I was measured for the Olympic uniform three times before London, and I finally made the team. It was a big deal, and it was quite emotional, which is probably one of the reasons I didn't perform at my best.
Working your core always, your foot speed, jumping rope, push-ups and sit-ups - things like that are really important. Those things will pay off more than just doing what a bench press will.
I've played almost 22 years in the major leagues, and I've never sat on the bench.
I seldom was ever off my seat on the bench during the game.