Ochocinco Released by Patriots
 Chad Ochocinco won't get another chance at redemption this July in training camp. (FILE:Icon/SMI) |
It appears that Chad Ochocinco's tenure in "heaven" has come to an end after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team has decided to release him.
According to the report the Patriots attempted to trade the veteran wideout but there apparently wasn't enough interest to get a deal done. As a result, they instead let him go and freed up a roster spot.
Ochocinco had taken a pay cut earlier this offseason to make his deal more cap friendly, lowering his base salary to $1 million to hopefully at least ensure himself a roster spot during training camp. Obviously since then the team has brought in guys like Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd, both of which are expected to be key contributors this season.
The final straw for Ochocinco may have been the struggles he's continued to have even during OTA's, where it was reported he was still seen lining up in the wrong spot. Considering how quickly Lloyd and Gaffney appear to be settling in and picking up the offense, that probably didn't help him.
He caught just 15 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown last season, with his playing time diminishing as the year went on while his biggest struggle seemed to be his inability to grasp the no-huddle offense. Unfortunately it looks like we won't get a chance to see the veteran fight for his life in training camp, which would have been interesting to watch.
The receiver Tweeted out to fans this afternoon, saying "Thoroughly enjoyed the oppurtunity to play for the "Patriot" organization... fans were f*****g wicked awesome, I wish all of you the best..."
