Tebow Tried To Break Up Hernandez Bar Fight In 2007
BOSTON (CBS) - Tim Tebow tried to stop Aaron Hernandez from getting in a violent bar fight in 2007, according to Gainseville Florida Police records.
Hernandez, then a 17-year-old freshman tight end for the Florida Gators, punched a bouncer in the head, breaking his ear drum -- according to the police report.
Police could not locate Hernandez after the altercation, and interviewed Tebow, Hernandez's teammate at Florida, about the incident.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker Talks To Gainsville, FL Police Public Information Officer Ben Tobias
Ben Parker Talks To Gainsville, FL Police Public Information Officer Ben Tobias
The altercation started after a bartender gave Hernandez two alcoholic drinks, which he consumed but refused to pay for. The bouncer approached Hernandez about the bill, a shouting match ensued, and Hernandez punched the bouncer as he turned away.
"Tebow stated that he witnessed the dispute," the officer wrote in the report, according to the Orlando Sentinel. "… Tebow stated that he went over to try to help resolve the conflict."
"Tebow went on to say he urged Hernandez to leave peacefully and tried to make arrangements to pay the bill," the police report said.
Hernandez was found a few hours later and another officer interviewed him about the incident -- with Tebow present. The officer wrote that Hernandez was "very polite and professional." Both Hernandez and Tebow told the officer they had told their coach at Florida, Urban Meyer, about the incident.
The next day, Hernandez's attorney was told by the investigating officer that they would not pursuing charges in connection with alcohol served to minors at the restaurant, but he wrote that "it would be noted in the report so the coaches could handle it internally."
As for the altercation with the bouncer, the Sentinel notes "Gainesville police recommended Hernandez be charged with a felony, but it is unclear how the case was resolved because all of Hernandez's other juvenile records are sealed."
Last week, Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of 27-year-old Odin Loyd of Dorchester. He was denied bail, and is also under investigation in a 2012 double murder in Boston.
