An interesting series of events surrounding Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco went down Thursday morning, ultimately ending in the receiver’s release from the team.
First, Ochocinco reportedly left the Patriots practice unexpectedly earlier this morning, according to Adam Schefter it was because he had an eye doctor appointment, but many originally speculated it was because he had been cut by the Pats.
Extra fuel was added to the speculation when Ochocinco removed “Patriots WR” from his Twitter bio following his early exit from Foxborough, but then added it back to his bio Thursday afternoon.
Ultimately, news finally came down that the Patriots released the veteran wide receiver. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news via Twitter, saying the Patriots spent the day Thursday unsuccessfully trying to trade the 34-year-old Ochocino.
Ochocinco came to New England last offseason in a trade with the Bengals, but despite being one of the most respected and well-known receivers in the league he was virtually ineffective all of last season as he struggled to learn the Patriots offense.
Ochocinco had just 15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown in a Patriots uniform last season.
I really like the guy and he’s got a ton of talent, so I was hoping to see him have a turnaround year in New England this season, but with Ochocinco reportedly still struggling to learn the Patriots playbook after nearly a year in the system, plus the group of very talented receivers vying for roster spots on this team, this news shouldn’t really come as any surprise.
Disappointing, but not a surprise.
UPDATE (4:26 PM EST) : Ochocinco released a statement through (what else) Twitter regarding his release:
Thoroughly enjoyed the oppurtunity to play for the “Patriot” organization… fans were fucking wicked awesome, I wish all of you the best…
— Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) June 7, 2012
And for those keeping track, his Twitter bio now reads “UNEMPLOYED BLACK GUY.” If nothing else, at least he’s still got his sense of humor…
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