Chad Ochocinco : Released By The Patriots [VIDEO]

Chad Ochocinco, is he washed up or was he on the wrong team?  On Thursday, The New England Patriots cut the six-time Pro Bowler loose after on season.

As no surprise, he took to his favorite media outlet, Twitter to thank his fans tweeting "Thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play for the 'Patriot' organization... fans were ... wicked awesome, I wish all of you the best," he tweeted at about the same time the team was announcing he had been released.  "I'm healthy n living life, I'll be fine."  Then promptly changed his job description to "UNEMPLOYED BLACK GUY" and then posted a photo of himself sitting on a suitcase at the airport, hitchhiking.

Again, is Chad washed up?  Has his career met it's end?  Or does he have some good years left?  First and foremost, Ochocinco is 34.  Secondly he has played in 15 games while with the Patriots.  Third, he started in three games, catching only 15 passes for 276 yards.  Finally, Chad caught one pass in the Super Bowl and we all know what happened in that game, New England lost 21-17 to the New York Giants.

Last year during the during the playoffs, Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media that Ochocinco was a hard worker who "made a very good effort to do everything we've asked him to do on and off the field."

Ochocinco admitted that it was very difficult going from the star receiver to barely playing.  His first trip to the Super Bowl was bitter sweet, speaking of which this is how he described the experience, "I'm happy, but the competitive side of me is (angry). Does that make sense?  I handled myself with the utmost professionalism.  I busted my (butt), didn't pout.  That's what I do: 'Give me the rock!'  But I didn't do what people thought I would do.  Even I thought I was going to do it."

Taking a look back Chad was drafted in the second round by Cincinnati from Oregon State and spent 10 seasons with the Bengals, even reaching the Pro Bowl five times in a row from 2003-07 and again in '09.  There's know doubt that he was a baller, beings that he was the first player in NFL history to lead the conference in receiving four consecutive years.

But Ochocinco's arrogance may have lead to his own demise.  From changing his name from Chad Johnson as a nod to his uniform number, 85, to inviting fans to help him think up new end zone antics.  Speaking of which, his touchdown celebrations using a pylon as a golf club, performing CPR on the football, doing a jig and wearing a Hall of Fame jacket has led to repeated fines and an NFL crackdown.  In fact, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis grew so frustrated that he once called him "Ocho Psycho."

Unfortunately, Chad has become better known for his antics than his skillz on the field.  His constant antics have annoyed his teammates, coaches and even commissioner Roger Goodell, of whom he calls "Dad."  The fact is he loves the camera and attention.  Case in point, Ochocinco has appeared as a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars", hosted his own dating show, worked for the online Ochocinco News Network, attended the Super Bowl as a reporter for two years, to appearing on "Basketball Wives Miami".  Ironically, his camera love affair may end up being his saving grace.  Because if football would ever go away, he most certainly would have another career.   By the way, he and Evelyn may end up with their own show, to showcase them getting married.

All in all, he is a likable guy and as much as he likes the camera....the camera loves him.  So, what's next for Ochocinco? Football or showbiz?  Time will only tell.  Meanwhile, here's ESPN's take on his release and what it could mean for the Pro-Bowler: