Aaron Hernandez Released by the New England Patriots [UPDATE]

If you needed an indication of some kind on how things look for Aaron Hernandez I think we have it. The New England Patriots have decided to go ahead and release him in the wake of his arrest earlier this morning.

from @AaronHernandez

The team didn't say much. Just a simple tweet saying they had cut him loose.

The New England #Patriots have released Aaron Hernandez.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 26, 2013

There had been rumors that this was a possibility, but with the chances of him not being incarcerated and still playing this season it seemed unlikely. This could be the first indication of how bad the case may really be against Hernandez.

If it was something that could be handled similar to Ray Lewis's obstruction of justice charges the team would have likely led onto him. With Rob gronkowski's ealth a big question mark and Wes Welker gone the offense does not have many proven weapons for Tom Brady to work with (at least not many that he's actually worked with before).

So the fact that the team wasted no time in cutting him loose lends this blogger to think that the authorities may be looking to pin something more than obstruction of justice on him. Than again, it helped Lewis that the other two guys really took the fall. The other two persons of interest in Hernandez's case are still unaccounted for.

[UPDATE]: The NFL has released a brief statement on the release of Aaron Hernandez from the New England Patriots.

"The involvement of an NFL player in a case of this nature is deeply troubling. The Patriots have released Aaron Hernandez, who will have his day in court. At the same time, we should not forget the young man who was the victim in this case and take this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathy to Odin Lloyd's family and friends."