Rapper and Blood member The Game brushed off rumors that convicted killer and ex-Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is an affiliate of the street gang.
In a TMZ video shot outside Tru in Hollywood, the "Red Nation" singer, who is known for his public recognition of bloodship and has released tracks with names like "It's Okay (One Blood)", waved away whispers that Aaron Hernandez was a fellow Blood.
"Aaron Hernandez has got a "blood" tattoo on his hand, does that qualify as a Blood?" the reporter behind the camera asked, referencing a zoomed-in photo of a tattoo on the back of his right hand. "If you get a little blood tattoo on your arm, does that mean you're a blood?"
"No, that don't mean you a blood," The Game answered, "You ain't a blood unless you get packed out by me and my brothers! Aaron Hernandez ain't no blood man, he killed his sister's husband. What the f---."
Allegations that Hernandez, who is currently being held in the Bristol County jail on murder and gun charges, was a member of the Bloods started circling when an old photo of the former tight end surfaced depicting Hernandez in a red tall tee and red hat, throwing up 'b' hand signals associated with the nationwide gang.
The photograph was taken in 2007, while Hernandez still attended Bristol Central High School in Bristol, Connecticut-a suburban area not known for high gang activity.
Murmurs were further stoked when a picture of a hand tattoo reading, "Blood," in red ink was publicized.
Turns out, the entire tattoo reads, "Blood, sweat and tears."
Hernandez has denied the accusations, according to the Boston Herald, saying that his tattoo-covered torso did not bear any gang-related tats. Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson told the Herald that Hernandez is not a known street gang member.
"He talked to our gang investigators and said he didn't have any involvement," Hodgson said. "We always take extra precautions. We don't have any definite issues at this point, but we're still being very cautious."
