[sammyg2]

As soon as he was accused, the patriots sent him packing. He could not be a murderer and play football for them.

Was he a punk before that? Obviously.
But i have seen no evidence whatsoever that he was allowed to be a murderer and still play football.

Patriots release Aaron Hernandez, take salary-cap hit
Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports
Published 10:30 a.m. ET June 26, 2013

The New England Patriots ended their silence surrounding Aaron Hernandez's involvement in a homicide investigation when the team released the star tight end Wednesday, less than two hours after Hernandez was led from his North Attleborough, Mass. home in handcuffs.

Regardless of the financial consequences, the team wanted to distance itself from Hernandez, who was charged with the murder of 27-year-old, semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.

"A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation," the New England Patriots said in a statement. "We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do."

The Patriots drafted Hernandez in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, believing they got a steal of a player with first-round talent whose stock slipped because of off-field character concerns. The team signed him to a long-term contract worth nearly $40 million last August after he excelled in his first two seasons — and also stayed out of any sort of trouble. He had no prior arrests nor suspensions under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Hernandez has already received a $9.25 million of a $12.5 million signing bonus.

There is language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that allows teams to nullify contracts and recoup bonus money in the case of incarceration or other off-field transgressions, but Hernandez never missed any football-related activities before he was released.

Had the Patriots' primary concern been about money, it would have made more sense to allow him to remain on the roster while the legal proceedings play out. Had Hernandez been under contract and unable to play because he was in jail or suspended by the league, the Patriots may have been able to save up to $37 million.

"Whatever chance of recouping previously paid bonus may have died when they released him," said Andrew Brandt, a former agent and personnel executive for the Green Bay Packers, who now works as a business analyst for the NFL.

But now the Patriots will likely have to accept a major salary cap hit. On March 17, $1.137 million of Hernandez's $1.2 million salary became guaranteed. He will count a little over $5 million against the 2013 salary cap, which includes a guaranteed base salary of $1.323 million.

A $7.5 million hit against the salary cap comes in 2014 as the three remaining $2.5 million prorated cap charges from his signing bonus are consolidated instead of being spread over the 2014-16 seasons.

The Patriots could try to withhold money owed to Hernandez — like weekly payments owed during the season, or the $3.25 million due next March as part of his deferred signing bonus — and force Hernandez, his agents, lawyers and potentially the NFL Players Association to file a grievance to collect it.