Uncategorized
The Patriots and Aaron Hernandez
Published
11 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Brandon Niles Explore Big Sky Sports Columnist
Give credit to the New England Patriots for handling the Aaron Hernandez situation so well. It’s easy to cut a backup center or a fourth-string defensive back in the NFL when they’re in trouble with the law. It’s another thing entirely to cut one of the three best tight ends in the league.
The tragic tale of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is far from over, as evidence continues to stack up against him in the murder of Odin Lloyd, found on June 17 near Hernandez’s home. Since Hernandez’s arrest on June 26, his name has been mentioned in another investigation of a double homicide that occurred approximately a year prior.
Once Hernandez was arrested, the New England Patriots immediately released him from their roster.
Hernandez is one of the most talented young players in the league, an elite tight end who signed a five-year, $40-million contract this past year. One can only speculate why he would allegedly commit such a heinous crime. If he’s convicted, it will be one of the most alarming examples of violence in professional sports since the O.J. Simpson trial nearly 20 years ago.
For the record, I hate the Patriots. As a Miami Dolphins fan, I naturally despise the other teams in the AFC East Division: the Jets, Patriots, and Bills, the order of my loathing dependent on how good each team is. So the fact that I hate the Patriots the most is just a compliment to them for achieving continued success during the past decade-plus.
However, I have to give credit where credit is due. The Patriots cut Hernandez after he was arrested and have done an excellent job distancing themselves from the situation. Furthermore, in an admirable public relations act, the team held a free jersey swap at the New England Patriots ProShop for fans to exchange their Hernandez jersey for one worn by a different player.
The Patriots didn’t have to do that; fans wouldn’t have been angry with the team for not exchanging the jerseys. Several news sources announced reasons behind the swap, from the team wanting to treat fans fairly, to the team not wanting kids to be disappointed when their parents try to explain why they can’t wear their favorite jersey. The Patriots said they lost more than $200,000 in the exchange.
Kudos to the Pats. And kudos to the media for focusing its attention on the crime rather than the on-field impact to the team. Sometimes, the tragic stories in sports need to be reported with the horrific frankness they deserve.
While Hernandez’s criminal trial likely remains months away, the Patriots have expertly distanced the team from the situation as best they could. They’ve also done something with the fans in mind, a rare act in professional sports.
I still hope the Dolphins sweep the Patriots this year and they miss the playoffs, but I’m finding it hard to hate them with the same fervor I’m accustomed to.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm