Former Patriots second round pick arrested

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It turns out former Patriot and current New York Jet linebacker Jermaine Cunningham was arrested last month by authorities in New Jersey. The Union County Prosecutor's Office announced that the former Patriot was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree invasion of privacy and fourth-degree unlawful weapon transport.

Apparently police officers in Summit N.J. responded to a domestic dispute on December 29th. The police arrived at Cunningham's home and according to officers the linebacker had "tampered" with a former girlfriend's clothing and spread sexual images without proper consent. The officers conducted a search of Jermaine's vehicle with his consent and discovered a loaded .380-caliber handgun in Cunningham's car.

Cunningham was arrested, processed and released without bail. It is likely he will be in court within a few weeks.

Jermaine Cunningham was the 53rd overall draft selection by New England back in 2010. While in New England he only recorded 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his 36 games as a Patriot. He was let go by New England in 2013, briefly signed by San Francisco, then by the Jets. His 2014 season ended due to injury.

This isn't the first legal problem the former Patriot has faced. While a Florida Gator Cunningham, along with other Patriots bust Jeff Demps, were arrested for assaulting a Jimmy John's employee.

This latest debacle brings up an interesting question, "Should the Patriots stop drafting Florida Gators?" Now I'm a huge Patriot fan and I went to the University of Florida but there just seems to be a history of busts when New England tries to grab talent from the swamp.

Just look at Brandon Spikes who left the organization for Buffalo under less than ideal circumstances. There is guard Jon Halapio who was drafted in the fourth round last year and didn't make the final roster (similar to Jeremy Mincey in 2006). Wide receiver Chad Jackson was drafted in the second round by the Pats in 2006 (they actually moved up in the draft to get him) and was cut in 2008. Then there was of course the tight end who shall not be named.

Let's hope that the Patriots first round pick of 2014, former UF defensive lineman Dominique Easley, can break this Gator/Patriot trend of sadness.

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