NFL Teams Consider Using Police Experts To Examine Prospects' Tattoos
(CBS) - Thanks to an influx of inked-up stars, tattoos are becoming commonplace in locker rooms around the NFL.
But teams may want to take a closer look at what exactly is branded on their prospects' bodies, according to Bruce Feldman of CBSSports.com.
On Twitter, Feldman cited an unnamed "longtime NFL personnel man" who said clubs "may use police experts to check prospects tattoos." This comes after former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His tattoos were examined by correctional officers for possible gang ties.
"We always take extra precautions. We don't have any definite issues at this point, but we're still being very cautious," Bristol County (Mass.) Sheriff Thomas Hodgson told the Boston Herald earlier this month.
Hernandez denied being a member of any gang, Hodgson said.
In San Francisco, NFL tattoos have been the topic of conversation for much more positive reasons following the emergence of quarterback Colin Kaepernick last season. Kaepernick's fame even created a media buzz around Nes Andrion, the QB's Reno tattoo artist.
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