It’s probably not news to anyone at this point that former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been charged with first degree murder. However, what is news is Patriots owner Robert Kraft coming out and saying the Patriots team, and himself were wrong about Hernandez.
According to the Boston Herald, Kraft said the Patriots all together were duped by Hernandez:
If this stuff is true, I’ve been duped and our whole organization has been duped,” a sad-faced Kraft said this afternoon, his first day back in Foxboro since learning of Hernandez’ arrest in North Attleboro for the murder of Odin Lloyd while he was vacationing in Europe.
Hernandez was released by the Patriots after being charged of first degree murder on June 26. Hernandez was a suspect on the murder of Odin Lloyd was arrested early that morning. The Patriots have kept quiet about this matter, finally opened up after Kraft expressed his displeasure.
The Patriots gave Hernandez a five-year contract extension prior to the start of last season which was worth $40 million. At the time Hernandez even donated a check for $50,000 for Krafts wife Myra Kraft who passed away a year earlier in July 2011.
“He was kind enough to give a check (for $50,000 from the $40 million contract extension given to him by Kraft last August, that included $16 million in guaranteed money) for my beloved wife’s memorial charity. He said we’d given him a second chance and I believed him. He was the most likeable young man. This is all sad to me. Very sad.
Hernandez who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, fell in the draft due to off field issues at Florida. Those close to Hernandez said the star player was hanging out with the wrong crowd, and his peers had a bad influence on him. Hernandez even tested positive for marijuana while at Florida.
However Hernandez had stayed clear of trouble in his time with the Patriots. That is up until now. Hernandez enjoyed a smooth first three years in the league. He became one of Tom Brady’s most trusted targets. In three years with New England, Hernadez
caught 18 touchdown passes, including one in SuperBowl 46 against the New York Giants.
The Patriots who went 12-4 last season will have a new looking receiving core this year. Hernandez has been release, and Wes Welker was signed by the Denver Broncos.
