Patriots made decision to release Hernandez if arrested awhile ago

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (wow, it feels weird to write that) was arrested by police early this morning just before 9 am. His charges are yet to be determined but he has been the center of a murder case the past couple weeks. The body of his known associate, Odin Lloyd, was about a mile from his home.

Hernandez attempted to enter Gillette Stadium last week while being tailed by media and at least one news helicopter. He was turned away by the Patriots, who it seems were cocked and ready to let the star tight end go if ever arrested.

#Patriots made the call to cut Hernandez if he was arrested in this murder case last week not today, I'm told. Once it happened, he was gone

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 26, 2013

The Patriots know there may be financial repercussions. They'll try to minimize that. But I'm told "it's about more than finances."

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 26, 2013

We've heard a lot about the "Patriot Way" this past week. A lot have said that Hernandez's involvement signals the end of that mantra. Which is absolutely untrue.

Hernandez's actions do not reflect the Patriots as an organization. They made that very clear when they released him as soon as he was arrested. We do not yet know the charges, but Fox25 reported that he is being brought to Bristol County jail and it is likely a situation where he will go without bail.

Draw your own conclusions from that.