While it is important to remember that of all things that have come of this Aaron Hernandez story is the fact a young man had his life taken at the hands of this scumbag, Id like to touch on some utter nonsense that has struck a nerve with me over the past 24 hours. That is this idea portrayed in the media of "the Patriot Way" and how this myth is what propelled the Patriots to terminate Hernandez's employment with the team. Lets look at some facts shall we. I know the mainstream media sometimes has trouble with logic so it needs its place here on FH. Mods of course are free to move this special edition of Get Real to the appropriate forum and no offense shall be taken by me. I just felt I should post this in the main for now.
The Pats released Hernandez a solid 2 hours after his arrest yesterday morning. At this point, most of us assumed he was being arrested for obstruction of justice as was being reported all week. Whether or not the Pats believed that is debatable. My gut tells me he was released as soon as they found out it was a murder charge as opposed to obstruction but, I have no proof or any real solid common sense reasoning to believe either way. Although I will discuss later how Im certain with all of his power and influence in the area that Robert Kraft had a lot more details than the mainstream media did.
All afternoon we were forced to listen about how "the Patriot Way" was the driving force behind Hernandez's release and that such a class organization simply wasnt concerned about the cap hit or implications on their ability to win football games. This idea makes me want to puke in my suit. So much so that I have no recourse but, to come on to my FH podium and GET REAL about this whole idea.
First lets examine this report that ESPN came out with that states Kraft had decided last week that as soon as Hernandez was arrested and charged with anything involving this murder that they would release him. Im thinking that Kraft had plenty of information that we didnt. If it were a case of simply class, why did it take Hernandez getting arrested to provoke his release? The fact he was involved in some way wasnt good enough? The 2 hour difference in arrest and release I suppose could be explained by process of paperwork but, as I suggested earlier, Im willing to bet Kraft knew it was a murder arrest before the cuffs were even placed on Hernandez.
It was common sense to everyone that Hernandez in the very least obstructed justice and would be arrested at some point. This is why I question the whole "Pats decided last week to release him if he were arrested and charged with being involved in any way" story that ESPN ran with.
But, my main issue with this whole "Patriot Way" nonsense is this............
http://deadspin.com/reports-hernandez-under-investigation-for-role-in-2012-598421755
Lets assume the Pats knew about all of these things. Why did the "Patriot Way" not come into play here? After all, if this organization is so classy, why would it keep a guy who was suspected in so many shootings and was known for such behaviors even before he came into the league? Why did the Pats draft a guy who was clearly 1st round talent yet 31 other teams passed on him multiple times despite this?
Maybe its because the "Patriot Way" is a complete crock of horse ****. How does a team that is known for cheating its way to win at least 1 SB get labeled as this holier than thou organization in the media? I will tell you how.
The Patriot Way is nothing more than #12 and WINNING. Its as simple as that. The leader of the team is known for his hard work, dedication, and success. Add in some good looks and its some pile of bull **** that is easy to sell. "The Patriot Way". Just stop already. ESPN and all the other outlets make themselves look foolish to anyone with more than half a brain and the ability to pay attention. A few smart guys, shrewed leaders, and a winning QB does not a morally superior brand make. It just makes them a smart organization with a great QB who knows how to win. Thats all.
So please stop trying to sell us this crock about some "Patriot Way" that has been the backbone of their success as a franchise. The fact is without #12 behind center they are just another franchise. The Browns yesterday had a rookie arrested for attempted murder. he was immediately cut and yet no one has said a god damned word about "the Brown Way". You know why? Because the Browns ****ing blow thats why.
The "Patriot Way" is about as valid as "Joe Paterno : model of integrity". Its all bull****. "We are Penn St."
I would be very pleased to see Robert Kraft come out and say "Look. The guy got arrested for murder. What did you want us to do? This says nothing about some mythical Patriot Way. Its common sense." After all, I would think you could get fired from Foot Locker for being arrested on murder charges.
So all of this talk means nothing to me. In fact, I get the impression that had Hernandez not been arrested for murder that the Pats wouldve not only kept him, but played him and profited off him. The NFL and the Ravens did the same thing with Ray Lewis. They gave not a **** that he plead to obstruction in a murder case. The NFL marketed the hell out of Ray Lewis.
Just take a look at that link and all of the stuff Hernandez was involved in. Not a damn bit of it stopped the Pats from running Hernandez out there and scoring TDs with him as a primary weapon on offense. I have no doubts they wouldve continued right on with it. If it were all about class and the Patriot Way, he wouldve been released long ago, if he were ever drafted by the Pats. And anyone who wants to suggest the Pats werent fully aware of all of these other incidents, then that dosent say much for them as an organization. Hard to hold them up as some symbol of moral integrity if they are so ignorant when it comes to off the field crime issues with their players. Nobody with any sense would buy that anyway.
The Pats knew what they had in Hernandez. They simply didnt care until he was arrested and charged in an execution style murder. And that my friends is the REAL PATRIOT WAY.