First, the New England Patriots release tight end Aaron Hernandez and now, they will allow fans to trade in any purchased #81 jerseys at the Patriot Proshop for any one of their choice. That's right, a previously purchased Hernandez jersey can now get you any Patriots jersey of equal value or less for free.
As posted on the team's website, the free exchange will be available next weekend on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. The Patriots ProShop, located at Gillette Stadium, will be open from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, the store will close two hours earlier, opening its doors from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Patriots' spokesperson, Stacey James, clearly states why the organization is encouraging fans to break away from their Hernandez jerseys. "We hope this opportunity to exchange those jerseys at the Patriots ProShop for another player's jersey will be well received by parents." Following the Hernandez saga, adults are aware of the trouble the tight end is in. However, kids might be a little too young to understand what is currently taking place.
Hernandez stands at the opposite end of the spectrum from current Patriots Tom Brady and recently acquired, Tim Tebow. Brady is pretty much the Derek Jeter of football. Brady is a proven champion, has a ton of endorsements and always seems to know how to work the media. Meanwhile, Tebow is a very religious man who is never too shy to express his positivity, despite teams lacking interest in his services.
Following this month's incident, the Patriots want to distance themselves as far away from Hernandez as they can. Apparently, the organization also wants to prevent fans from showing Hernandez their support.
