Florida Gator fans can anticipate a lot of wincing over the notoriety that will only ratchet up further in the first-degree murder case of former UF tight end Aaron Hernandez. If convicted, Hernandez–summarily cut by the New England Patriots after the story broke–faces life in prison without parole. He pled not guilty at his arraignment, but was denied bail and jailed.
The Bristol, Conn. native committed to Florida in 2007 after visiting the campus and staying with Tim Tebow. He later had “issues” in Gainesville that included an arrest, a suspension and questioning about a shooting. By his junior season–his last–he had partaken of Bible study sessions that were personally conducted by head coach Urban Meyer, who vouched for his rehabilitation.
In retrospect, this could look like Exhibit A for Faustian deals many universities with big-time, big-budget football and basketball programs make to recruit blue-chip “student-athletes.”
But it could be worse. I know. I’m a graduate of Penn State.