Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette has been released by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints decided to make the move after league officials began investigating two off the field incidents involving domestic violence and battery charges. NFL.com’s Ian Rappoport first reported the news.
The #Saints are releasing Junior Galette, source said. They’ve paid him $18M since last year. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2015
Junior Galette recently met with @NFL officials, who are looking into 2 off-the-field incidents. #Saints have been frustrated for a while.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2015
Part of the Saints motive for releasing Galette was Galette’s pectoral injury in a weight lifting accident. The more surprising part of the story is how much money the Saints will still be paying Galette following the release. After restructuring his contract back in March the team will still owe Galette 23 million in guaranteed money. This will only push the Saints into further cap issues that have already doomed the team becoming a main motive for moving Jimmy Graham this offseason. Galette nevertheless is not happy with the news and is on a mission to make New Orleans regret this decision.
“The worst call they’ve ever made,” Galette said, via Saints Beat Writer Evan Woodbery. “It was a terrible call to kick me when I’m down.”
“The business is the business, you know? … Like Vito Corleone said, ‘Watch for the traitors,” Galette added. “I’m in the best shape of my life….My reaction is that I’ve never felt better.”
Galette also took a shot at head coach Sean Payton.
“Everything is Sean’s call. He told me that himself. He’s the one who pulls the trigger.
Both charges have since been dropped so Galette could find work again rather quickly if the league decides to not suspend Galette. Anthony Spencer and 2nd round pick Hau’oli Kikaha will fill the void at the outside linebacker position for the Saints.
