Speaking to the media for the first time since the arrest of Aaron Hernandez, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called the arrest, "a really a sad day on so many levels."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim and I extend my sympathy really to everyone who has been impacted," Belichick said.
Starting the press conference off with a statement, Belichick said, "When I was out of the country, I learned about the ongoing criminal investigation that involved one of our players and I and other members of the organization were shocked and disappointed in what we had learned. Having someone in your organization that’s involved in a murder investigation is a terrible thing. After consultation with ownership, we acted swiftly and decisively. Robert [Kraft] and his family and I, since I got here in 2000, have always emphasized the need for our team and our players and our organization to represent the community the right away both on and off the field. We’ve worked very hard together over the past 14 years to put together a winning team that’s a pillar in the community. I agree 100 percent with the comments that Robert has already made on the situation; I stand behind those as well. This case involves an individual who happened to be a New England Patriot. We certainly do not condone unacceptable behavior and this does not in any way represent the way that the New England Patriots want to do things."
When asked if the team would take less risks in drafting players, Belichick said, "I think everyone is a case-by-case basis. Whatever the circumstances are that come with any individual, they exist and you have to make a determination as to what your comfort level is with that person and the characteristics that they bring."
He did add that the team may change how they judge prospects in the future.
"We’ve talked about that. We’ve talked about what we want to do on that subject going forward. I don’t think we’re quite there yet. The draft is nine months off or whatever it is. Again, we have a process in place. Can it be improved? Can it be modified? It possibly can. We’ll certainly look at it," Belichick said.
To watch the press conference in it's entirety, click here.
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