Patriots release TE Aaron Hernandez following arrest

The New England Patriots didn’t waste any time in cutting ties with tight end Aaron Hernandez.

Shortly after Hernandez was taken into custody by Massachusetts State Police on Wednesday morning, the team released Hernandez.

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

The NFL also released a statement regarding Hernandez’s arrest:

“The involvement of an NFL player in a case of this nature is deeply troubling. 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.”

The Massachusetts State Police said via their Twitter account that charges toward Hernandez will be made known at his arraignment on Wednesday.

It’s been over a week since 27-year-old Odin Lloyd – an acquaintance of Hernandez – was found shot to death about a mile away from Hernandez’s home.

Hernandez was taken away from his North Attleboro, Mass., home at 8:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday. He was wearing a white T-shirt, which covered his upper body, and his hands were cuffed behind his back.

Over the past week, authorities have made numerous trips to search Hernandez’s home and the surrounding area for any and all evidence pertaining to this case.

Hernandez’s attorney, Michael Fee, released a statement on the matter on Monday night:

“Over the past week, our client, Aaron Hernandez, has been the subject of a relentless flood of rumors, misinformation, and false reports in the media. These include the repeated publication of a supposedly confirmed report that an arrest warrant had been issued for Aaron, a report that was exposed as untrue.”

“None of these false reports come from official sources and we appreciate the professionalism and restraint shown by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office to date with regard to its public statements while its investigation is underway. Out of respect for that ongoing investigation, we will continue to refrain from commenting on its substance.”

Hernandez would’ve been heading into his fourth season with New England. He leaves the Patriots with a total of 175 catches for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdown catches. He also rushed the ball nine times for 97 yards.