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In a surprise move, the New England Patriots have decided to release defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.
Haynesworth comes two days after the lineman reportedly had a sideline confrontation with defensive line coach Pepper Johnson during New England's 24-20 loss against the New York Giants. Haynesworth did not play in the fourth quarter Sunday after shouting back and forth with Johnson following Brandon Jacobs' touchdown run.
The Patriots acquired Haynesworth, a 30-year old known to cause locker room problems, prior to the 2011 season in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2013. The former Pro-Bowler played six games for the Patriots, notching three tackles and zero sacks. His best season came in 2008 with the Tennessee Titans, when the lineman racked up 51 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
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