The Patriots got rid of guys when performance started dropping off, it had nothing to do with character. Belichick even tried to move Brady in favor of Jimmy G before Kraft overruled him on it. They get away with it because they are successful and players that try to push back against it are generally ignored, but make no mistake, it's an absolute disgrace for any team to chew up and spit out players like the Patriots do and no fan should condone it. Just imagine if your boss worked you to death and then threw you out on your ass at age 35 with no prospect for the future, doesn't sound so great does it?