Aaron Hernandez receives kind words from Deion Branch
During this whole Aaron Hernandez saga, the focus has been on new information that paints the former New England Patriots tight end as a man filled with character issues and red flags that were quietly, steadily manifesting themselves. Hernandez deserves all the criticism in the world, but sometimes I wonder if we hear too many blanket statements. Former Patriots star left tackle Matt Light delivered a very critical quote of Hernandez’s character, and it is well within everybody’s right to give us more information on Hernandez’s issues. However, it is obvious that Hernandez had character issues, and it is far more interesting when somebody like Deion Branch says kind words about Hernandez, who donated a significant some of money to the Myra Kraft Foundation shortly after receiving his extension.
New England Patriots former tight end Aaron Hernandez (left) stands with his attorney Michael Fee as he is arraigned in Attleboro District Court. Hernandez is charged with first degree murder in the death of Odin Lloyd. Mandatory Credit: The Sun Chronicle/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Hernandez is likely a murderer and gang-banger, but there is always some good in a person. As a teammate told Adam Schefter, Hernandez was torn between the devil and angel on his shoulders. What Branch told the Albany Herald goes against basically everything that has been said about Hernandez in the aftermath, and that’s honestly what makes it all the more interesting and welcoming.
“Aaron is a great guy and a great friend of mine and a great teammate. I love him to death, and it was shocking to hear his name involved in this situation. I truly hope and pray he doesn’t have any dealings with it.”
I appreciate the sincerity from Deion Branch, and I hope others do as well. Both former teammates on the Patriots were also neighbors in North Attleboro, and it’s great to see Branch showing loyalty to a friend and not trying to throw more dirt on him. Hernandez will get plenty of that later on.
Branch also spoke about how shocked he was and about how he could have never seen Aaron Hernandez being a murderer.
This final quote sums up my thoughts, “most importantly I send my prayers and condolences out to the Lloyd family.”