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What is it with Gators and Patriots?
The Patriots have released linebacker Brandon Spikes this morning as rumors continue to swirl about him being involved in a hit and run accident over the weekend. Yesterday, the Massachussetts State Police responded to reports of a $200,000 Mercedes left abandoned on the median strip of I-495. The car, which was found with substantial front-end damage, was registered to Spikes. Just a few hours later, police responded to reports of another car, a 2009 Nissan Murano, in the same area as Spikes' vehicle, whose occupants reported that they were rear-ended by an unknown driver.
Whether the two events are related is unclear, but all signs point to a connection. Had Spikes in fact rear-ended another car and fled the scene (possibly while intoxicated), he could face up to two years in jail.
Regardless, Spikes' incident is no longer New England's problem. Initially brought back to provide some additional linebacker depth and assist on early running downs, Spikes once again finds himself on his way out of Foxboro. Perhaps this latest incident will cause the Patriots front office to think twice before taking a player out of Florida. Stay tuned for more on the number of draft picks, game forfeitures, and fines Goodell will be levying on New England after this event.