The Patriots have confirmed the news: Aaron Hernandez has been cut. The team released the following statement in conjunction with the news:
"A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. 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 this transaction is simply the right thing to do."
That young man is 27-year old Odin Lloyd, whose body was found near Hernandez's home in North Attleboro. Hernandez has been arrested but it is unclear at this point what the charges against him are. He will be arraigned at some point on Wednesday at which point the charges will be revealed. It's also unclear what salary cap implications will come of the Patriots decision to release Hernandez, who signed a $40+ million contract with the Patriots just last year.