Patriots Offer Aaron Hernandez Jersey Exchange To Fans
BOSTON (CBS) -- New England fans who spent $100 or more to buy an Aaron Hernandez jersey in recent years were no doubt disappointed to see the developments of the past couple of weeks, but the Patriots announced Friday that they're willing to help out.
The Patriots ProShop is offering a free jersey exchange to any fans looking to dispose of their No. 81 Hernandez jerseys, so long as they were purchased at the ProShop or at PatriotsProShop.com.
The exchange will be available the weekend of July 6 and July 7 and is good for a product of "comparable value."
"We know that children love wearing their Patriots jerseys, but may not understand why parents don't want them wearing their Hernandez jerseys anymore," Patriots spokesperson Stacey James said in the announcement. "We hope this opportunity to exchange those jerseys at the Patriots ProShop for another player's jersey will be well received by parents."
Hernandez switched to jersey No. 81 from No. 85 prior to the 2011 season, so the No. 81 distinction in the announcement would seem to indicate the deal is only good on somewhat recently purchased jerseys. Regarding all decisions on the exchange, the Patriots said that "the Patriots ProShop reserves the right to make all determinations regarding program validity. All determinations are final."
Hernandez, 23, was charged with murder this week and remains under investigation for an unsolved double murder in Boston last July.
Jerseys and all other Hernandez memorabilia were taken off the team's website and pulled from the shelves shortly after the team released him on Wednesday. Most jerseys retail at the Patriots ProShop for $99.95, though authentic game jerseys sell for $249.95.
