Update: The New England Patriots have announced the release of tight end Aaron Hernandez.
The New England Patriots issued the following statement: “A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.”
Earlier today:
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Massachusetts (CNN) — New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Wednesday morning was handcuffed and put into a police cruiser outside his home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts.
For the past several days, investigators have been searching the area near Hernandez’s home as they continued their probe into the death of a man whose body was found less than a mile from the house.
Hernandez’s lawyer broke his silence Monday, saying his client has been subjected to “a relentless flood of rumors, misinformation and false reports,” including unsubstantiated accounts in some media outlets late last week that an arrest warrant had been issued in connection with the investigation.
