The University of Florida began removing photos of former Gator Aaron Hernandez shortly after his arrest in June. On Thursday, Florida began erasing the last trace of the All-American: a brick plaque with his name outside the stadium, ESPN reports.
Hernandez played college football at Florida from 2007 to 2010, finishing with 111 receptions for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. His play with the Gators earned him the John Mackey Award and recognition as a first-team All-American.
His accomplishments and accolades became unimportant after authorities arrested him for the murder of Odin Lloyd. Florida quickly distanced itself from the alum and began removing photos of him from the locker room, team area, and throughout the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The final monument to Hernandez was removed on Thursday. The brick plaque, emblazoned with his name, was dug up and removed.
"We didn't feel it was appropriate to celebrate Aaron Hernandez," the school said in a statement, via ESPN. "We put together an immediate plan after the initial news broke to remove his likeness and name in various private and public areas in the facility, such as the South Endzone team area, locker room, football offices, Heavener Complex, Kornblau Lobby, and the brick display entrance to the football facility.
"We were able to implement some of the changes immediately and this [brick removal] was a more complex process to complete with our vendors. The plan was to have everything completed before the end of July."
Florida isn't the only entity trying to erase all reminders of Hernandez. The New England Patriots cut Hernandez hours after his arrest, and both "Madden NFL 25" and "NCAA Football 14" video games removed the player.
Hernandez pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of Lloyd. He's currently being held without bail and is due back in court on Aug. 22.
