Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez had severe CTE at the time of his death.
Hernandez was serving a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd when he committed suicide earlier this year. His brain was quickly taken for medical tests, and it revealed what most people already expected.
His CTE diagnosis was incredibly severe, according to his lawyer.
BREAKING: Aaron Hernandez’s lawyer says test shows former Patriots tight end had ‘severe’ case of degenerative brain disease CTE.
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 21, 2017
Former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez had CTE, Boston University’s CTE Center announced.
— Nathan Fenno (@nathanfenno) September 21, 2017
Attorney Jose Baez says independent tests of former Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez’s brain shows Hernandez suffered from “severe case” of CTE.
— Tim Caputo (@Tim_Caputo) September 21, 2017
Aaron Hernandez attorney Jose Baez announces Hernandez had “severe” case of CTE prior to his death, will sue NFL on behalf of his daughter
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) September 21, 2017
Boston 25 News reporter Tom Leyden tweeted that the CTE found in Hernandez is usually found in men in their late 60s.
Aaron Hernandez’ lawyer says Hernandez had Stage 3 CTE, an incredibly advanced case usually found in the case of 67-year-old men.
— Tom Leyden (@TomLeyden) September 21, 2017
I don’t think this is surprising to anybody. Lots of people speculated Hernandez had CTE at the time he was accused of multiple murders. He was acquitted in a double murder case following his initial conviction for the slaying of Lloyd.
The NFL hasn’t released a statement yet about the announcement.