New England Patriots Release Aaron Hernandez

Dec 23, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) warms up before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested earlier this morning on charges that have yet to be announce.

Now the Patriots have announced they are releasing Hernandez.

Apparently head coach Bill Belichick and the rest of the Patriots organization had seen enough. The arrest was simply the final domino to fall in what has been a long, embarrassing process for the NFL and New England:

Gernerally it would be expected that the team wait for the law to run its course, but this case and the resulting media storm seem to have taken its toll on the Patriots.

Don’t expect this to be the end of things for Hernandez when it comes to NFL sanctions. Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended players in the past before due process for tarnishing the image of the league. Think Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hernandez has certainly tarnished that image. As of right now it would be foolish to focus on the NFL implications for Hernandez too much. He has his own battles to fight over a serious alleged crime that could result in some reduction of his freedom.

We’ll have more as it happens.

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