MIAMI — Sources close to the Miami Marlins have confirmed that Brookhaven Academy product Christian “Bubba” Keene has left the organization due to off the field issues and plans to focus on playing football at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The Marlins were officially notified by Keene of his decision Saturday evening.

     Keene is no longer a member of the franchise. Attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful.

     The move, which comes three weeks after Keene reported to the Marlins Spring Training Complex in Jupiter, Fla. caught many off guard including Marlins brass. Keene was drafted by the Marlins last month in the 17th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft.

     Keene originally signed a football/baseball scholarship with Co-Lin, before agreeing to a lucrative contract with the Miami Marlins , which is now voided, as well as his pro baseball draft status going forward. Keene will be ineligible to be picked in any future baseball drafts. He will be eligible to play football at Co-Lin this fall as a freshmen.

     The BA product was named The DAILY LEADER’s Most Valuable Player on the 2011 All-Lincoln County Football Team as a receiver and the MVP on the All-County Baseball Team as a centerfielder. Keene worked out for several pro baseball teams in the month of May, following the Cougars season.

     In two games as a member of the Marlins rookie level Gulf Coast League team based in Jupiter, Fla., he batted five times and struck out four times. He batted .000. while playing centerfield.