Now-former New England Patriots Aaron Hernandez is spending time in jail as he awaits an appeal for bail and after being charged with murder the star faces a tough trial and the possibility that his career and life are over.
Hernandez was charged with first degree murder in the death of Odin Lloyd and soon after he was taken into custody, the Patriots decided to release the tight end despite a cap hit after signing him to five-year contract worth $40 million. Following the events, most of his teammates were quiet about what happened, but some former ones spoke about him and the current case.
Former offensive lineman Matt Light, who is now retired, said some disparaging things about Hernandez to the Dayton Daily News, saying that he never believed in him. He mentioned that he never embraced the tight end or anything he stood for and added that while he never talks about other guys, he would say that about it. Light was a leader on the team and one of the longest tenured players for the Patriots before he retired.
Light played 11 years for the team and made four pro bowls and he played with Hernandez for two years with the team. Now he is arrested and facing serious charges, including murder as well as five other charges with guns. The death of Odin Lloyd was ruled a homicide and in court the prosecution laid out their case, showing video and communications evidence and contact between Hernandez and Lloyd leading up to the murder.
Former Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley also spoke about it, as he played with the Patriots and Hernandez for a time. Holley was shocked at what happened and said that Hernandez spent his time on football and that was all he had, and that the TE didn't have many friends or much family. He lived in Bristol and some of his high school teammates also added their thoughts, saying that it was a big hit for the city and that they were surprised as well.
"I never talk about other guys, but I will say I have never embraced -- never believed in -- anything Aaron Hernandez stood for," Light said.
