Pats TE In Homicide Investigation Faces S. Fla. Lawsuit
MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is under increasing police scrutiny in Massachusetts in relation to a possible homicide. But his past is also increasing criticism and the team may be starting to experience buyer's remorse.
Hernandez starred at the University of Florida during the days of national championships and Tim Tebow. Hernandez's stock plummeted heading into the 2010 NFL Draft due to concerns about his character including marijuana use while at UF.
According to SI.com, scouts said they had off-field concerns about Hernandez, including questions about alleged gang activity of some of Hernandez's associates in Bristol, Connecticut, Hernandez's home town. But the tight end seemed to shake off most of the criticism and turn into a rising start with the Pats.
The Patriots thought enough of Hernandez's ability and production in his first three years to reward him with a seven-year, $41.115 million contract with $16.4 million guaranteed to the former Gator.
But Monday, Hernandez was questioned and his home was searched in the case of a homicide in the area. Multiple outlets have reported that Hernandez is not believed to be a murder suspect in the case. Still, police have searched his home and left with evidence in a box, according to CBSBoston.com.
It's also not Hernandez's most recent problem since signing his lucrative second NFL contract.
A lawsuit was filed last week against Hernandez that accused the tight end of having a gun that went off and shot Alexander Bradley in the face. Bradley claims the shot caused him to lose his right eye.
In Bradley's lawsuit against Hernandez, he accused Hernandez of failing to use the gun in a proper manner, possessed the gun without a legal license, and failed to be properly trained in the use of firearms, and was reckless.
Bradley's case was declared closed on Monday, but according to his attorney, David Jaroslawicz, said the case was dismissed due to a mistake in the paperwork and the case was being re-filed as early as Wednesday, according to a report from profootballtalk.com.
The alleged incident between Bradley and Hernandez allegedly occurred outside Tootsie's strip club.
In 38 games, the 6-foot-1, 245-pound Hernandez has 175 receptions for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns. He missed 10 games last season with an ankle injury and had shoulder surgery in April, but is expected to be ready for training camp. The Patriots have not said which shoulder was operated on.
