New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, has been charged with murder and five gun-related charges pending trial.
Hernandez was taken into custody Wednesday after being charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player who was dating his fiancée’s sister. Lloyd’s body was found in an industrial park, approximately one mile away from Hernandez’s home.
“He orchestrated the crime from the beginning and took steps to conceal and destroy evidence,” First Assistant District Attorney Bill McCauley told an Attleboro District Court.
After getting into the car, Lloyd allegedly texted a family member, asking, “Did you see who I am with?” prosecutors said. He then texted that it was Hernandez and followed it up with, “Just so you know” in another text message, the prosecutors alleged during the arraignment.
To make matters worse, the New England Patriots released Hernandez just a couple hours after the arrest. He also lost his endorsement with CytoSport, a company that made Muscle Milk and other supplements for athletes.
The organization said, “Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation,” the Patriots said in a statement. “We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.”
“The involvement of an NFL player in a case of this nature is deeply troubling,” the NFL said in a statement released by spokesman Greg Aiello.
Hernandez was one of the most talented tight ends in the NFL after he broke out in 2011. The Patriots drafted him in the fourth round of the 2010 draft which became a steal, as the tight end put together 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns in just 38 games. During the summer last year, Hernandez signed a five year, $40-million extension with the Patriots. This deal came with a $12.5 million dollar signing bonus, as the tight end has already received $9.25 million from the guaranteed amount.
“It is at bottom a circumstantial case. It is not a strong case,” Hernandez’s attorney Michael Fee said.
After Fee asked for bail for Hernandez, the judge quickly shot him down, saying that the 23-year-old was to be held without bail until future proceedings.
The state police have extensively searched Hernandez’s house which is located in North Attleborough.
Hernandez has hit rock bottom after he went from being a star to a disappointment in just two weeks.
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