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The NFL is trying to distance itself as quickly as possible from tight end Aaron Hernandez, considering the murder charges he is being faced with. A writer from Pro Football Focus explained some of the details the league is combing through:
Impressive the lengths the NFL is going to scrub Hernandez from history. Stats gone, photos removed. It's a bit bizarre.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) July 14, 2013
How does the NFL feel then that Mike Pouncey and Maurkice Pouncey, who play for the Dolphins and Steelers, respectively, appear to be wearing "Free Hernandez" hats in this photograph:
.@Deadspin Pouncey Bros rocking Free Hernandez hats in the club pic.twitter.com/WkTN7VfRII
— Jasmine (@JazzyNice5) July 14, 2013
Another Look. pic.twitter.com/2dpeM6Yqus
— Jasmine (@JazzyNice5) July 14, 2013
The brothers were college teammates of Hernandez. Browns fans are already irked by the over-rated support that Maurkice gets as a "top NFL center," and this is the type of thing that can add to the disdain for him. If you head on over to Behind the Steel Curtain, some fans in Steelers Nation voiced that they are getting turned off to their center after seeing this. Even more feedback from BTSC can be found here.
We already saw the minor backlash that Browns RB Dion Lewis had when he cracked a joke about the case. The players have the right to feel however they want, but when will they get the memo: you're a public figure now -- do the smart thing and consider the short- and long-term backlash.