Patriots release Chad Ochocinco
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco #85 talks with quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, …
Posted: 06/07/2012
CINCINNATI - Chad Ochocinco got his wish when he was traded from the Bengals to the Patriots before last season.
That wish was short lived.
The Patriots released the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver on Thursday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN says New England was unable to trade Ochocinco, 34, who now becomes a free agent.
Ochocinco thanked fans on Twitter Thursday afternoon:
Thoroughly enjoyed the opp. to play for the "Patriot" organization... fans were (expletive) wicked awesome, I wish all of you the best...
The Patriots acquired Ochocinco last July in exchange for two draft picks -- a fifth-round selection which they used on wide receiver Marvin Jones and a sixth-round pick next year.
Despite putting up good numbers in Cincinnati, Ochocinco had problems getting onto the field with the Patriots and only managed 15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown last season.
It's been well documented that it wasn't Ochocinco's ability that kept him off the field, it was his inability to learn the Patriots' playbook.
Ochocinco's agent Drew Rosenhaus, tells the Associated Press he is "in the process of gauging interest from potential teams."
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