After recently resigning with the NFL team that drafted him out of the University of Florida, Brandon Spikes has now been fired by the New England Patriots. The Patriots dumped the linebacker after he was involved in a hit and run car crash that left a family injured and stranded after Spikes fled the scene. Spikes spent last season away from the team playing with divisional foe the Buffalo Bills, while making snide comments on social media about the Patriots. Because of those comments, Spikes was on a short leash that led to his quick dismissal from the team.
The family involved in Spikes' hit and run is seeking justice after the former Patriot left his expensive sports car at the scene after running into the back of the family's vehicle. The family's lawyer, Mark L. Breakstone, passionately told the Boston Herald about the physical damage Spikes inflicted to the family, as well as the psychological aspect:
"Mr. Spikes acted in a reckless and irresponsible manner in striking my clients and fleeing the scene. It's bad enough that he almost killed a family, then to run is nothing short of an act of cowardice in order to avoid responsibility for his action."
As an organization that is already reeling from other recent transgressions, the Patriots wasted no time in getting rid of the troubled star. They released the linebacker a day after the hit and run occurred. ESPN has the Patriots owner Robert Kraft discussing the reasoning behind the sudden dismissal:
"I think we've always wanted to do what was best for our football team -- both the short and the long-term. That's how that decision was made."
Was the Patriots quick move to release Spikes the correct way to handle the situation? Will Spikes be able to land with another NFL team this offseason? We want to hear from you. Tell us your thoughts below.
