Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested on Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder and five firearms-related charges. As details continue to emerge the story becomes more troubling.
The latest reports indicate that the shooting of Odin Lloyd may be tied to a double homicide last July in Boston and the possibility of Hernandez being involved in those slayings as well. Whether the connection will be made at trial there is a good probability Hernandez will face at least some jail time for the lesser charge of destroying evidence.
Hernandez's case raises the issue again on players and violence. Many players feel it necessary to own and even carry weapons. Many of these players have no problem showing their guns off on social media sites. These players will say it is for protection, which considering their fortunes and celebrity is understandable, but doesn't this same line of thinking sometimes lead to more harm than good?
There are responsible gun owning players, but what about those who have some history of mental instability or violence? Too many players have been involved in shootings whether of themselves or others or both.
Unfortunately Hernandez is not the first NFL player to face murder charges. Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis once faced murder charges but was aquitted in 2000 and former Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth was indicted on conspiracy to commit murder in 2001.
Hernandez's case faces more scrutiny than Lewis's or Carruth's cases because of social media and 24 hour news channels that constantly cover the story. In the court of public opinion, he has already been found guilty before ever going to trial. Even though the case in largely circumstantial, his defense team face an uphill battle trying to clear their client's name.
Hernandez is a player showing an inability to detach himself from friends from his past. Friends who would not keep Hernandez from getting into trouble. This is a lesson many players have had to learn the hard way.
Becoming a professional athlete means having to grow up and let go of many friendships and hangouts that may lead them to trouble. It means being accused of "changing or "being different". Too many young players worry more about street credit than the teammates and fans they will disappoint if they are involved in criminal actions that will keep them from playing.
Ultimately that is the biggest crime of all with the Hernandez case. So much talent but a lack of self control, common sense and discipline.
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