New England Patriots: Safety Brandon Meriweather Could Be on His Way out

Reports courtesy of Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston indicate that the Orange Country Sheriff's Office are seeking to have an interview with  New England Patriots' safety Brandon Meriweather. 

Initial reports state that Meriweather was involved in a recent shooting in his hometown of Apopka, FL.

The incident involved a brawl at a house party, which led to one person shooting two men—one in the face, while the other was grazed by a bullet.

Both victims have identified Meriweather as the shooter, according to their attorney John Morgan.

Morgan appeared on 98.5 the Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich Show and admitted that he has no clear evidence. 

Early in the morning, when news broke, the New England Patriots released this statement: "We are aware of the reported allegation, but do not have any additional information."

It is unclear of what Meriweather's role in the situation is, but either way, he was involved and was in the wrong place a the wrong time—and this isn't the first time.

New England's 2007 first-round draft pick was involved in another shooting in 2006. Meriweather's University of Miami teammate Willie Cooper was shot in the buttocks. In self defense, Meriweather fired multiple shots at the shooter, hitting the shooter three times. Meriweather was not charged with any crime, however.

Later in 2006, Meriweather was a key participant in the infamous Miami and FIU brawl on October 14. Meriweather was seen stomping on multiple FIU players on the ground.

In Meriweather's time in New England, he hasn't really improved.

Granted, he's a two-time Pro Bowler, but he's not considered to be an "elite" safety.

With Meriweather's skill set and sky-high talent, he hasn't lived up to expectations and might have "peaked" too soon.

He recorded only 68 tackles in 2010 and was benched multiple times.

In his four years in the league, Meriweather has shown signs of being productive. But there have been several cases of him taking awful angles to the ball, just for instance.

Entering the 2011 season, Meriweather's salary will increase $1 million, and Bill Belichick might feel that he's simply not worth it. 

There have been no further reports out of New England's organization on Meriweather's future with the team. But I won't be surprised if he is released.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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