The New Orleans Saints released linebacker Junior Galette on Friday after off the field incidents that he was involved in could get him suspended by the NFL.
Galette was arrested on domestic violence charges in January. However those charges have been dropped. There are also allegations that Galette was involved in a beach brawl in 2013. Video of the brawl show a man that looks like Galette hit a women with a belt, according to WWLTV. Galette’s attorney has denied that Galette was involved. The NFL hasn’t taken any action against Galette for these incidents, which fall under the league’s new player professional conduct policy, and Galette believes that he is in the clear from any discipline by the NFL.
"The Saints made a big mistake to kick me when I'm down," Galette said. "I'm not mad. It'll be the worst call they ever made. I will be the best player in the league next year. I've been here six years and you've never heard a peep out of me as far as off the field issues, ever. You might hear something on Twitter or something like that, but as far as anything major, never had any issues. I don't really go out, I don't do any of that stuff.”
Galette signed a four-year, $41.5 million contract extension with the Saints last September. His salary cap for 2015 will remain at $5.45 million since he was released after June 1, and there is $12.1 million in dead money that will count against next year’s cap, ESPN notes. Last season Galette was elected a team captain. He had 45 tackles, ten sacks, and three forced fumbles last year, according to Sports Illustrated. Over the last two seasons he has 85 tackles, 22 sacks, four forced fumbles, and four defended passes.
Galette must still take and pass a physical in order to be officially released by the Saints.