As the Aaron Hernandez investigation and trial continues, many have taken sides on whether or not the former New England Patriots tight end is innocent or guilty. One person stepping to up to the plate to wish the best for Hernandez is former Patriot wide receiver Deion Branch, according to the Albany Herald of Albany, GA.
“Aaron is a great guy and a great friend of mine and a great teammate,” Branch told The Herald “I love him to death, and it was shocking to hear his name involved in this situation. I truly hope and pray he doesn’t have any dealings with it.”
Branch, currently a free agent, played seven of his 11 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots. His last two were spent as a Patriot and a teammate of Hernandez.
Not every former teammate of Hernandez has had nice things to say about the University of Florida product. Former Patriot offensive tackle Matt light spoke with the Dayton Daily News: “I never talk about other guys, but I will say I have never embraced — never believed in — anything Aaron Hernandez stood for.”
Branch on the other hand said he hopes Hernandez is innocent of all charges.
“That’s my guy, man,” he said. “That’s my guy. It really shocked me. He was a great kid. Overall, I hope the best that he isn’t involved with it...”
However, he added his biggest concern is for the family of Odin Lloyd—the 27-year old who Hernandez allegedly murdered.
Branch told the Herald, “…most importantly I send my prayers and condolences out to the Lloyd family.”
“Nobody deserves to walk, whoever the person is that did it,” Branch added. “Most of all what we as Americans need to understand is that is somebody’s child that was a victim. That’s somebody’s dad, and my prayers and thoughts go out to his family and hope that they bring whoever did this to their child to justice, regardless of who it is.”
For more information on the murder investigation click here.
