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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Oct 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; The Cincinnati Bengals huddle during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Cleveland won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

With expectations as high as they’ve ever been for the Cincinnati Bengals, the club announced today that fans can begin purchasing single-game tickets for 2013 home games beginning next Saturday, June 29.

Single-game tickets for all 2013 #Bengals home games will go on sale Sat., June 29. Reserve your spot in The Jungle: http://t.co/qW0iCvA3c7

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) June 19, 2013

Sales will begin at 10 a.m. The Bengals 2013 home schedule features the division rivals Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.

The Bengals also play host to the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings. In all, the Bengals will play teams that have combined for 11 Super bowl appearances since 2002.

One other note: Fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets for the Sept. 16 nationally televised Pittsburgh contest and/or the Sept. 22 Green Bay contest must first register by 11:59 p.m. June 20 to be eligible. To register for those two games, fans should visit bengals.com and click on the orange rectangle with the Steeler and Packer logos in the upper right corner of the home page, then follow the instructions.

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Nov 18, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn (9) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) after falling on a bad snap in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Cincinnati won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams don’t usually have any specific preference to a college when it comes to the Draft. Sure, the college might have an influence on whether one player is chosen over another. For example, when comparing an SEC linebacker over an ACC linebacker, it’s a bit more likely that the team will take the SEC player. That doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the individuals being considered, it just means that the SEC player has faced a rougher schedule in his college career.

It’s not that the Cincinnati Bengals necessarily have a preference to a college. It might just be several coincidences in the last few years. It might just be that the coaching staff likes to bring in players that have played together at some point, under the same college scheme. Whatever the reason, Cincinnati seems to really, really like the university of Georgia.

Now, I’m a student at the University of Florida, but I have absolutely no problem with all the selections that the Bengals have spent on former Bulldogs in the drafts of recent years.

Especially when the talent we have taken from that school has impressed so much at the NFL level.

Let’s look at the last few years, and at many of the role players we have taken from the University of Georgia.

First off, A.J. Green. One of the top receivers in the game, and he is only entering his third year. The WR is a star in the making, and indeed, has already made huge leaps in the NFL.

Another familiar name: Geno Atkins. Going into his fourth year, Atkins has become the premier interior lineman in the entire league, gathering 12.5 sacks just last year. On top of that, he plays a huge role in opening up lanes for Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap to get to the quarterback.

Clint Boling has seen quite a bit of action the last few years at Guard for the Bengals, and has taken care of business in a position that doesn’t get a ton of hype. When Wharton went down, he stepped in.

Robert Geathers has been in the NFL for 10 years, but I feel like it’s necessary to mention his name. The defensive end has stepped in time and time again during games, and his veteran presence has helped the Bengals just as much as his abilities.

Orson Charles has become a bit of an experiment for Cincinnati in the last year and the offseason. Whatever position he is placed in, or whether he is switched around, he certainly makes a great utility man for the Bengals.

Now hopefully Shawn Williams can live up the same expectations set by his predecessors. If so, he’ll be a heck of a cornerback.