Twitter Explodes as Chad Ochocinco Is Reportedly Released by Patriots

After one year of trying to make it work, the New England Patriots have decided to release Chad Ochocinco, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Schefter tweeted on Thursday:

"

After unsuccessfully trying to trade WR Chad Ochocinco throughout the day Thursday, the Patriots are releasing him, per league source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2012"

After catching 67 balls for 831 yards and four touchdowns with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010, Ochocinco tanked last season, catching 15 balls for 276 yards and one touchdown. He never was able to get into rhythm with New England, and the writing appeared to be on the wall after the season.

Naturally, the Twitterverse has been on fire after the news, like a (former) Pro Bowl receiver.

The infamous Not Brian Scalabrine tweeted:

"

The Patriots will release Chad Ochocinco.. It will be interesting to see how the Pats offense overcomes his typical 0 yards per game

— Not Brian Scalabrine (@BScalabrine24) June 7, 2012"

Steelers Depot chimed in, referencing Ochocinco's former teammate, Terrell Owens:

"

Chad Ochocinco, I hear the Allen Wranglers of the IFL might have roster spot open. Too soon?

— Steelers Depot (@Steelersdepot) June 7, 2012"

Albert Breer of NFL Network noted:

"

The Patriots gave up two 5s and a 6 for Haynesworth and Ochocinco. Who'd have thought they'd come out on the wrong end of that?

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 7, 2012"

An obvious Patriots fan exploded upon hearing the news: 

"

Patriots release Chad Ochocinco. Thanks for absolutely nothing you multi-media, fame-hungry buffoon. Good luck to the next team you swindle.

— Tom E. Morello (@TomEMorello) June 7, 2012"

All may not be lost for Ochocinco, however.

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com thinks Ochocinco will be back on the field for another team next season:

"

Don't think @ochocinco will struggle to get work. Not a Terrell Owens situation.

— gregg rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) June 7, 2012"

And more jokes. Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe deadpanned:

"

Sad thing about Ochocinco being released was he was only a few more months away from learning the Patriots playbook.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) June 7, 2012"

Amazingly, the Cincinnati Bengals seem to have made the right moves trading Ochocinco and Carson Palmer.

Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post tweeted:

"

Bengals came away with an entire draft class for Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer -- two players who never won a playoff game. Incredible.

— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) June 7, 2012"

Another football fan took a shot at Ochocinco:

"

Dang, now Ochocinco is going to have to go back and pick up all that money that he made rain

— Peter Alex Eze (@Peteralexxeze) June 7, 2012"

Deion Sanders chimed in:

"

Praying for my man @ochocino everyone that plays this game must realize its a game and a game doesn't have the ability to love u back. TRUTH

— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) June 7, 2012"

At least one person in the world believed Ochocinco would come out of this better:

"

A shame it never really worked out for @ochocinco with the Pats. He'll probably be a much better player than he ever was for his next team

— Steve Harrison (@The2020) June 7, 2012"

Patrick Moran of Buffalo Sports Daily thought Ochocinco had a shot with the Bills: 

"

I'd be very surprised if the Bills Front Office doesn't quickly have at least a conversation about Chad Ochocinco

— Patrick Moran (@PatrickMoranBSD) June 7, 2012"

Faux John Madden couldn't resist to give his two cents, of course:

"

BREAKING:Chad Ochocinco to change his name to Chad Desempleado.

— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) June 7, 2012"

Evil Mike Tomlin had some harsh words for Ochocinco:

"

BREAKING: Ochocinco says he's excited to be on the same team as T.O. again

— Evil Mike Tomlin (@EvilMikeTomlin) June 7, 2012"

And, to close things off, Chad Ochocinco himself thanked the fans and wished the Patriots organization well:

WARNING: The following tweet includes offensive language

"

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"

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