The Florida Gators are following suit with the New England Patriots, NFL and Pro Football Hall of fame, as they are removing a brick that honored the All-American selection of former tight end Aaron Hernandez after he was charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd.
According to ESPN.com, the team is removing a brick that was made to honor Hernandez after he made the All-American team and they also are taking down pictures, images and other materials that mention the former star. Hernandez was released by the Patriots soon after he was arrested and a photo was taken down that won a contest in the Hall of Fame and he also was replaced by a card company with former teammate Tim Tebow, who is now with the Patriots. The school is removing other items regarding Hernandez from the locker room, stadium offices and football facility, following the lead of the Patriots.
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The school said they felt it was not appropriate to keep the pictures in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and one of the main areas is the bricks for All-American players. Hernandez was an All-American while playing at Florida from 2007 to 2009 and he was selected in 2009 as the winner of the Mackey Award, given annually to the nation's top tight end before being selected by the Patriots and now the team wants to remove him from the area with the bricks.
Hernandez was also removed from video games, including the new Madden game and he now is in jail waiting for trial and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges of first degree murder.
"We didn't feel it was appropriate to celebrate Aaron Hernandez. We put together an immediate plan after the initial news broke to remove his likeness and name in various private and public areas in the facility, such as the South Endzone team area, locker room, football offices, Heavener Complex, Kornblau Lobby and the brick display entrance to the football facility," the school said in a statement.
