Report: Warrant for Aaron Hernandez’s Arrest Issued

August 24, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New England Patriots 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

A warrant for New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been issued according to various reports, with the count of obstruction of justice as the reasoning.

Rotoworld broke down the news nicely and what it means for Hernandez moving forward:

"Sources tell FOX 25 the warrant is for obstruction of justice, and was issued Friday morning. The warrant is what’s known as a “paper warrant,” and is often used as a means of negotiation with a defense attorney. Once the warrant is officially entered into the system, Hernandez can be arrested at any time. FOX 25’s legal analyst opines this may be a squeeze tactic to compel Hernandez to begin cooperating with police. An obstruction charge potentially carries a maximum penalty of seven years."

Reports say this is just a paper warrant, meaning the police are not executing it as of yet. Boston.com reports a quote from a source saying this may be a tactic to get Hernandez to start cooperating with the authorities on the matter:

"“It may be that this is a squeeze tactic,” Bailey explains. “It may be telling Mr. Hernandez that we have a warrant, a warrant for a crime that has a potential maximum penalty of seven years in prison, is a tactic to get him to come to the table, start talking and start cooperating. And that’s where the lawyers may be saying, okay, we got it. You got our attention. We’re willing to respond.”"

In case you have been living under a rock (hey, it’s the offseason!), Hernandez is involved in a murder case after a body of his associate was found and evidence linked him with the associate the night of the murder as well as Hernandez allegedly being the driver of the vehicle the associate was last seen in before being found.

Hernandez also allegedly attempted to destroy his cell phone and surveillance equipment, hence the reported obstruction of justice charge.

So there you have it. Stay tuned as we’ll have the latest.

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