New Orleans Saints ready to release linebacker Junior Galette

The New Orleans Saints are ready to release linebacker Junior Galette due to his off-the-field behaviour.

The 27-year-old hit the headlines after a video emerged of him allegedly striking a woman with a belt on the beach, which followed previous separate incidents of apparent violence involving the linebacker.

Galette signed a lucrative contract with the Saints last year worth up to $41.5m (£26.7m) over four years, but the club have taken the decision to release him, although they are yet to confirm the transaction.

However, the linebacker has already revealed that he is furious with the decision after being told the news by head coach Sean Payton.

Galette told the Times-Picayune: "The worst call they've ever made. It was a terrible call to kick me when I'm down.

"Everything is Sean's call. He told me that himself. He's the one who pulls the trigger. The business is the business, you know? Like Vito Corleone said, 'Watch for the traitors.'"

Galette has recorded 128 tackles and 31.5 sacks in his five years in the NFL.