New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is usually known for his one word answers and unemotional press conferences with reporters, but Wednesday was different, as he spoke for the first time about the murder case involving Aaron Hernandez.
Belichick spoke from the heart and reporters gave him good reviews on how he handled the situation and it was a human moment for the coach. He expressed some regrets and admitted some mistakes and that the team isn't perfect and also expressed sympathy to Odin Lloyd's family. Belichick said that himself and the players would not comment on an ongoing investigation and that he wants to get back to football and helping the team win.
The Patriots released Hernandez after he was arrested and Belichick said that he was shocked and saddened about the news and he heard about it while on vacation out of the country. Hernandez was arrested for the murder of Lloyd and is now facing life in prison and his recent court appearance was delayed until August to give the state more time to present evidence.
Check here for full coverage on Aaron Hernandez and his probable cause hearing, girlfriend Shayanna Jenkins and what the Patriots must to do recover without him along with more NFL News and Notes.
Here is the full statement and Click HERE for the video:
"I'm going to address the situation involving Aaron Hernandez today. I felt that it was important enough to do that prior to the start of camp. It's a sad day, really a sad day on so many levels. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim and I extend my sympathy really to everyone who has been impacted.
A young man lost his life. His family has suffered a tragic loss and there's no way to understate that. When I was out of the country, I learned about the ongoing criminal investigation that involved one of our players and I and other members of the organization were shocked and disappointed in what we had learned. Having someone in your organization that's involved in a murder investigation is a terrible thing. After consultation with ownership, we acted swiftly and decisively. [Patriots owner] Robert [Kraft] and his family and I, since I got here in 2000, have always emphasized the need for our team and our players and our organization to represent the community the right away both on and off the field. We've worked very hard together over the past 14 years to put together a winning team that's a pillar in the community.
I agree 100 percent with the comments that Robert has already made on the situation; I stand behind those as well. This case involves an individual who happened to be a New England Patriot. We certainly do not condone unacceptable behavior and this does not in any way represent the way that the New England Patriots want to do things. As the coach of the team, I'm primarily responsible for the people that we bring into the football operation. Our players are generally highly motivated and gifted athletes. They come from very different backgrounds. They've met many challenges along the way and have done things to get here. Sometimes they've made bad or immature decisions but we try to look at every single situation on a case-by-case basis and try to do what's best for the football team and what's best for the franchise. Most of those decisions have worked out but some don't.
Overall, I'm proud of the hundreds of players that have come through this program but I'm personally disappointed and hurt in a situation like this. Moving forward consists of what it's always been here: to build a winning football team, be a strong pillar in the community, be a team that our fans can be proud of. That's what we're here for."
