Oct 21, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) reacts after a review went in his favor during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 29-26. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been the talk of the NFL over the past 24 hours as he was subject of a homicide probe by police. Wednesday it was revealed Hernandez was sued last week for shooting a man in the face but the case was dropped.

Now the case concerning Hernandez shooting a man in the face is opening back up.

The case was dropped for unknown reasons, but Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk obtained a quote explaining why the case was dropped and is now opening back up:

Attorney David Jaroslawicz, who represented the former Jets massage therapists in the lawsuit against Brett Favre, tells PFT that the case was dismissed not because of a settlement but because of a mistake in the paperwork.

So yes, Hernandez did shoot a man in the face and needed to have plates and screws inserted into the right side of his face. We don’t  know if Hernandez was formally charged over the incident and we also don’t know if it is in any way related to the homicide probe yesterday when police executed a search warrant at his house.

It seems this situation is continually updating itself with worse and worse news for Hernandez.

Stay tuned here at the Spin Zone for the latest updates on the homicide probe and shooting case. Oh, and whatever else may pop up.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) runs out on the field before the start of the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

From the headlines of TMZ today, New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez was sued earlier this month for allegedly shooting a man in the face. This on the tails of a murder investigation that he authorities questioning him and one of the key pieces of evidence is a rental car that is under his name.

The drama continues. Per TMZ:

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Hernandez and Alexander S. Bradley went to Tootsie’s Cabaret in Miami on February 13, 2013 … and during the outing, the two men got into an argument.

Bradley claims … After the dispute, both men left the club — and got into the same car which was heading to Palm Beach. During the ride, Aaron allegedly aimed his weapon at Bradley … and the gun discharged, striking Bradley in the face.

Bradley claims he suffered major injuries from the gunshot … including the loss of his right eye.

4 days after Bradley filed the lawsuit, the case was dismissed. Signs are pointing to a possible settlement between the two parties.

This story continues to get juicy. More details on the case will be released and we know all the big networks will have their eyes glued on the situation. Aaron Hernandez watch has begun. I wonder if Bill Belichick can say that Tim Tebow is lining up at tight end to try and draw the attention away.

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) reacts after missing a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is currently involved in a homicide probe by police, although he is not believed to officially be a suspect at this time.

The situation remains fluid, but more details continue to emerge after the police executed a search warrant Tuesday night and removed items from Hernandez’s home and detained two individuals.

For now we’ll stick to what we know—a car rented in Hernandez’s name is an object involved in the murder of one of his associates, who was found dead near Hernandez’s home in an industrial park with no attempt to hide the body.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk has the latest, all of which occured during the execution of the search warrant:

 Police reportedly spent hours inside Hernandez’s residence on Tuesday, ultimately searching the structure and emerging with a box.

Two men who tried to leave during the search reportedly were detained. The car in which they planned to leave also was searched.

Hernandez’s agents have declined comment. The Patriots issued the standard perfunctory comment, acknowledging the reports but declining to address the situation in deference to the investigation.

The box taken from the star tight end’s home could literally be anything so as of now it’s a non-story. It’s also not a big deal that police spent hours inside the house—the kid owns a mansion that would take hours to search thanks to its size.

What’s interesting here is the two individuals who were detained. Whether they are suspects police have an interest in or folks simply barred from leaving during a search remains to be seen.

Of course the most interesting facet of all the hoopla is Hernandez’s role in all of this.

Stay tuned for more as we’ll hit you with the latest as soon as we know it.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) reacts against the Houston Texans during the first half of the AFC divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is currently being investigated by police in a homicide probe after a car rented in his name turned up related to a dead body describe as an associate of Hernandez’s.

At this time Hernandez is not considered a suspect or anything of that nature, although it does sound as if police are gathering the materials for a search warrant of the star tight end’s home.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk has put together a nice summary of the events so far:

The situation, which is extremely fluid, already has spawned inconsistent accounts.  For example, SIreports that Hernandez has been questioned, while ABC reports that investigators plan to interview him.  Likewise, SI reports that police may seek to search Hernandez’s home; ABC reports that police are indeed seeking a search warrant.

Per ABC, Hernandez has been “uncooperative.”

As Florio said, the situation is very fluid at this time with more details undoubtedly coming in the near future. While we anxiously await more bits of news from the story, let’s take a moment to see how the world of Twitter is reacting to the news.

Investigators are seeking a warrant to search Pats' Aaron Hernandez home in connection with a nearby death. (@ABCNews)

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 18, 2013

"Hernandez has been uncooperative with police … two law enforcement sources said." http://t.co/zaBxJ1IeVj

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) June 18, 2013

Please let this all end with a bearded Aaron Hernandez running from the FBI after being framed by Tim Tebow.

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) June 18, 2013

Not sure how "murder probe" typically affects a player's ADP, but uhh, maybe hold off on Aaron Hernandez for now….

— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) June 18, 2013

Bill Belichick will look like a prophet if Tebow can play for Aaron Hernandez

— sencyr (@senCyr) June 18, 2013

Weeeeeeee!! RT @DanWetzel: Ten police cars at Aaron Hernandez's home. Getting real now

— Mike (@BrickbyBrick_MP) June 18, 2013

Really hope aaron hernandez aint tryin to keep it #gangsta

— De Monti (@DMontiNation) June 18, 2013

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) is unable to make the catch in the first half of the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez has been questioned by the police investigating a possible homicide in a town that is 40 miles south of Boston. One of the key pieces of evidence in the situation is a rental car that was rented out in Hernandez’s name.

Here are some details from the situation via Sports Illustrated:

The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro, Mass., reported on Tuesday that police identified a rented 2013 Chevrolet Suburban with Rhode Island license plates in connection with the possible homicide. According to the paper, the vehicle is registered to Enterprise and investigators were hoping to analyze it for fingerprints. A source said Hernandez’s name is tied to that rental vehicle.

A jogger found the body of a 27-year-old Boston man on Monday in an North Attleboro clearing, less than a mile from Hernandez’s home.

Hernandez is not believed to be a murder suspect in the investigation, but he is tied to the whole situation by the rental car. He has talked with the authories but there are no further details on the situation.

That is not a fun situation to be tied to. Hernandez has declined to answer any questions to the media about the situation and has consulted a lawyer.

Sticky situation for the New England Patriots tight end. Stay tuned to see whatever else emerges from this story.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) is unable to make the catch in the first half of the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots finally got some good news with a tight end on their roster. Aaron Hernandez returned to the practice field after missing time with his shoulder surgery.

Hernandez has not been cleared for contact yet, but he was able to get out onto the field to run a few routes and catch balls from Tom Terrific.

With Rob Gronkowski‘s status in question and Wes Welker packing his bags to go out to Denver, Hernandez will be the top weapon for Brady and the offense.

Harnandez is on pace for full participation in July. Good news for all the Pats fans.

Just put a red jersey on Hernandez and make sure that he doesn’t get hit. If some idiot runs into him and jacks that shoulder up, then they should just get cut immediately.

Caution tape everywhere!

Jan 31, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The New England Patriots received some good news on Tuesday night. All reports are indicating that the team will see the return of tight end Aaron Hernandez for their Thanksgiving match up against the division rival New York Jets. NFL Network reporter Albert Breer passed along the news today via Twitter:

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/271052249583742976"]

It will be a very happy Thanksgiving for the Patriots who will see the return of Hernandez less than one week after losing Rob Gronkowski for an extended period of time after the Gronk suffered a broken arm in the team’s blowout win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Jan 22, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Ravens 23-20, Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

The New England Patriots will be without tight end Aaron Hernandez for the fifth straight game as he continues to recover from an ankle injury suffered on September 16th. He is officially listed as questionable but all signs point to Hernandez missing the game.

Hernandez was expected to miss at least five games following the injury and if he makes progress during this week at practice he is on the right pace for his anticipated return.

With Hernandez at, the Patriots will turn to recently activated tight end Visanthe Schiancoe.

Sep 16, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) is helped off the field by trainers during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

New England Patriots tight end — and one of the top fantasy tight ends in the game — Aaron Hernandez saw his day come to an early end. Hernandez, fresh off of a big contract extension, was injured in the first quarter.

Hernandez was blocking for Julian Edelman when a player rolled up on his right leg.

He left the field favoring his right ankle after staying down on the field for a few minutes. It would be a big loss for the Patriots. We’ll have more information as updates become available. Here is the Hernandez injury, courtesy of Mocksession:

Of course, I’m talking about the Tight End position. Here’s The Spotter’s View:

It wasn’t always this way. Thirty years ago, Kellen Winslow took what was primarily a sixth lineman’s spot and, using his freakish athletic ability, mutated it into the role we know today – a hybrid position where receiving skills are valued on par with the ability to effectively zone block. Or pass protect. Or even double at the point of attack. Winslow was the first but he certainly wasn’t the last. As time passed, guys like Ozzie Newsome, Todd Christensen and Ben Coates started to build on the foundation set by Winslow. Then came Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates.

With each passing generation, the bar was set higher for the Tight End position. It’s the way that evolution works. Things improve, they become better suited for their roles. Or perhaps the roles change altogether because the thing itself is so dynamic that the previous mold doesn’t fit anymore. That’s what’s happening in today’s NFL. Another seismic shift of sorts.

If we go back to the 2010 NFL Draft, we’ll see the tipping point with regards to the Tight End position. After reading these names, you’ll likely come to the same conclusion as me – we’re now living in a new offensive era. Here are the top seven Tight Ends chosen in the 2010 NFL Draft and their respective career numbers:

1. Jermaine Gresham, CIN                 21^st                          108-1,067-10
2. Rob Gronkowski, NE                              42^nd                          132-1,873-27
3. Ed Dickson, BAL                                 70^th                             65-680-6        
4. Tony Moeaki, KC                                     93^rd                             47-556-3
5. Jimmy Graham, NO                                95^th                          130-1,666-16
6. Aaron Hernandez, NE                            113^th                         124-1,473-13
7. Dennis Pitta, BAL                              144^th                            41-406-3

Gresham is one of two dominant TEs playing this week on Monday Night Football. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

As you can see, there are three players on this list that will be playing on Monday Night. But why is this significant from a historical standpoint? Well, for starters, this draft class will likely produce four of the top five receiving tight ends in the history of the league. Gresham, Gronk, Graham and Hernandez will all need to keep this pace for another 5 or 6 seasons and avoid any major injuries but – in the end, they could all get there. They’re that good. Throw in the fact that Moeaki’s numbers from above are from only his rookie season (he missed all of last year with a knee injury) and the point becomes undeniable. This group from 2010 is reinventing offensive football as we know it.

Think about it…Gonzalez and Gates dominated the TE world for a decade or so. Shannon Sharpe, the five years before that. Then a myriad of guys like Christensen and Coates and Keith Jackson. Throw in some others if you like, but even on the outside we’re looking at seven or eight dominant receiving TEs in a thirty year period. The 2010 class alone has a chance for four or maybe five of those types of guys to emerge. Why?

Well, I think the first reason is pretty simple and ultimately it’s responsible for the other reasons. There are just more 6’5″, 260 lb athletes that can flat out run in the world today. Nobody looked like LeBron twenty years ago. The same can be said of Gronk or Graham (save for Winslow who fits this mold and really was the only one of his kind for a 30 year stretch).  The TEs today are just a different animal. They’re big and they can catch. They’re fast and they can block. Guys like Jackson or Mark Bavaro were “or” types, not “and” types. Jackson could catch “or” Bavaro could block. You see? And guys that could do both (see: Coates) were not the explosive game changers that we see today. So reason #1 is simply the emergence of more bigger, stronger and faster athletes.

Ed Dixon is the other.

Reasons 2-10 are how those athletes are deployed and what it means for opposing defenses. It’s like steroids in baseball: the cheaters cheat, the testers devise tests to catch the cheaters and then the cheaters outwit the tests. It’s a never-ending cycle. The same cycle happens in the NFL with regard to game-planning and strategy. Back in the 60′s, when teams operated out of two-back sets and pounded the ball, the great defenses were led by hard-hitting, run stuffers like Dick Butkus and Chuck Bednarik. As things opened up and the passing game became paramount in the 70′s and 80′s, defenses countered with pass-rushers like L.T. and Reggie White. As they spread further into the new millennium and 3/4 WR sets became the norm, then cover guys ruled the landscape – Prime and Revis.

Now we’re into this hybrid type, versatile TE era where massive bodies can play in-line on one snap and be spread out-wide as a flanker on the next. And they can do this without being a liability in either situation due to reason #1. Bavaro couldn’t do that. Jackson either. So how do defenses respond? This is a new wrinkle that may not have an answer. The versatility of these TEs – the size to outmatch smaller corners and safeties, the speed to outrun linebackers…it leaves defenses in a bind. It’s why from the above list of the 2010 TE Draft Class that five of the six teams featured on it made the playoffs last season.

Obviously, that’s not the only reason but when you consider the advantages of having such a versatile athlete at TE – you can see how that one reason impacts all the others. Versatility equals a personnel advantage, quarterbacks given the freedom of a “check-with-me” offense can capitalize on the personnel advantage and the TEs can chew up smaller DBs in the run game or eviscerate slower LBs as receiving targets. Give advantages like this to deadly accurate passers like Brady and Brees and whattya get?…

The Year Decade Of The Tight End.