Aaron Hernandez Murder Investigation

A Rush To Judgment?

News reports are coming in left and right regarding the ever-evolving Aaron Hernandez murder investigation.   Earlier today, it was revealed that some surveillance video cameras at his home had been intentionally smashed, along with a cell phone.  Reports are also stating that Hernandez had his house scrubbed clean by a team of house cleaners.  Additionally, a civil lawsuit has been filed against Hernandez by a man who is claiming that the New England Patriots' TE shot him outside of a Florida strip club in February.  Needless to say, the more news that breaks, the worse it looks for Aaron Hernandez.  

Because I'm currently a law student, I have a bit more interest in legal stories that are tied into the sports world.  I'll be honest, my first reactions when the story broke were not shock or disbelief.  In fact, my thoughts were more along the lines of: "Maybe this will give my fellow law students a break from drooling all over themselves while they wait for SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) opinions."  Seriously, nothing gets the average law student more jazzed than upcoming SCOTUS opinions.  It's as bad as the days when teenage girls were anticipating the next Twilight movie release.  Outside of this initial reaction though, I've been able to compile a few thoughts about this very intriguing investigation. 

1. Take what you're hearing on the news with a grain of salt.  Today's media is so sensationalized that the game is all about who's first, not who's right.  Don't believe me? All you need to do is think back to how various news outlets covered the Boston Marathon Bombing.  
2. The public courtroom doesn't go by the same set of rules as an actual courtroom.  If Hernandez is charged with murder, this trial is going to get more ESPN coverage than Tim Tebow (unless Tim Tebow becomes a star witness, which would cause ESPN's collective head to explode).  We're going to hear people condemn this man, offer their opinions on what evidence will do him in, etc.  Just remember that the rules of the actual courtroom are different than the public's courtroom, i.e. there may be evidence you may read or hear about that will be precluded from court.  Should Hernandez end up in court, let's allow the actual court process to play out before passing judgment.  
3. Aaron Hernandez probably isn't playing much football this year, if any at all.  The way things stand right now, things don't look good for the Patriots' TE.  Depending on how this story evolves, I could see two things potentially happening.  First, if Hernandez is charged with murder, his season is automatically over.  I can't envision him playing a down of football while being accused of murder.  Second, depending on where this story goes and how bad it gets, the Pats could just release Hernandez altogether.  This could become a PR nightmare the longer it drags on, and it might just be in New England's best interest to cut ties.  
4. Tim Tebow needs to "carpe diem" the hell out of this situation.  Gronkowski can't get off the operating table, and Hernandez might be facing some very serious legal issues.  If there was ever a time for Tebow to move to TE, this is it.  A move right now could change the trajectory of his career dramatically depending on Gronkowski's health issues and Hernandez's legal troubles.

I have to admit, the things being said on the news sound pretty terrible for Aaron Hernandez.  That being said, we don't know all the facts to this case at this point, and should refrain from passing judgment at this time.  Nonetheless, this will be a great story to follow over the next few weeks and months, and is a great topic for discussion.  Let me know your thoughts on the Hernandez situation in the comments below.