Bill Belichick spoke at length Wednesday on the Aaron Hernandez murder trial. Credit: Getty Images
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick made his first public comments regarding the Aaron Hernandez murder case Wednesday at the team’s introductory training camp press conference at Gillette Stadium.
“I’m going to address the situation involving Aaron Hernandez today,” Belichick said. “I felt that it was important enough to do that prior to the start of camp.
“It’s a sad day. It’s really a sad day on so many levels,” Belichick said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim, and I extend my sympathy to everyone who’s been impacted.
“A young man has lost his life, a family has suffered a tragic loss, and there’s no way to understate that.”
Belichick also said he was “shocked” and “disappointed” when he initially learned that Hernandez was involved in a murder investigation.
Belichick said that he is primarily responsible for bringing in players to the Patriots organization, and that after consultation with ownership the team “acted swiftly and decisively” in terminating his contract.
