NFL News: Justin Smith, Aaron Hernandez, & Rob Gronkowski
By Jason Marcum
Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) celebrates against the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was questioned by police on Monday about a murder investigation involving an acquaintance of his. His house was searched Tuesday by police investigators who were looking for potential evidence regarding the investigation, and while Hernandez isn’t being questioned as a murder suspect, his relationship with the victim, coupled with his troubled past has cast a dark cloud over him:
"Police are investigating the death of a male, whose body was found on Monday at an industrial park less than a mile from Hernandez’s house. A vehicle rented in Hernandez’s name has emerged as a key piece of evidence, and police are trying to locate another vehicle — a 2013 Chrysler 300 — that was also rented under Hernandez’s name.The victim of the possible homicide was identified Wednesday as Boston Bandits semi-pro linebacker Odin Lloyd, according to WBZ News. Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez’s girlfriend, WBZ reported. Lloyd was shot in the head, according to ABC News."
This apparently isn’t the first time Hernandez has been involved in a case regarding gun violence:
"On June 13, a Hernandez acquaintance, Alexander S. Bradley, filed a civil complaint against Hernandez in U.S. District Court alleging that a gun — in Hernandez’s possession illegally — discharged and shot Bradley in the face, causing the loss of his right eye."
This investigation appears to be far from over, and whether or not this will affect Hernandez’s status for the upcoming NFL season remains to be seen.
As if having one Pro Bowl TE in trouble wasn’t bad enough, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports Rob Gronkowski will open training camp on the active/PUP list after offseason back and arm surgery.
It was a good day for former Cincinnati Bengals and current San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith, who signed a two-year contract extension to to remain under contract through 2015. With the Niners, Smith has compiled 32 sacks in five years, vs. his 43.5 sacks for the Bengals in seven seasons, and if he can play through the 2015 season, he has a decent shot at finishing his NFL career in the illustrious 100 sack club.
Contrary to popular belief, New York Jets center Nick Mangold believes Mark Sanchez should remain the starting quarterback this season, and says the rest of the locker room feels the same way.
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