Aaron Hernandez Charged with Murder

Aaron Hernandez's NFL career is likely over.

Just like that, the future of the Patriots franchise has gone from not being a suspect in the death of Odin Lloyd to staring down the barrel of a murder charge. Along with five gun-related charges, Hernandez is now looking at serious jail time and what is likely to be a long, extended trial.

I don't really know what else to say here; this is a sad day. Not just for the victim and his family, and not just for Patriots fans, who on a most superficial level lost a true talent this afternoon, but for anyone who ever looked to Aaron Hernandez as a role model, someone who rose above his circumstances and worked hard enough to create a life for himself.

Hopefully justice will be served and Hernandez will get what's coming to him, be that in the form of a conviction or an exoneration. Looks like releasing him earlier today was the smart play.