“Unnecessary Roughness” and Aaron Hernandez

That success story that ends tragic and how it applies to former NFL star Aaron Hernandez who went from stardom with the New England Patriots and to a Massachusetts Correctional facility. Sad and tragic it is. 

Charged with double homicide and later took his life in his cell block and all detailed in a current best seller “Unnecessary Roughness” Inside the Trial and Final Days of Aaron Hernandez. 

Renowned defense attorney, Jose Baez, became a confidant and writes about the trials of courtroom drama and the final days including the the case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CPE) which was severe and discovered after the death of Hernandez.

Sports journalist George Willis, a known writer in New York City, assisted Baez that details blunders and methods of law enforcement up in Boston. After reading testimony, examining evidence, there is strong reasons to understand that  Aaron Hernandez was on his way to being exonerated for the second conviction of life without the opportunity for parole.

But all of this evidence and recounts of events make this a compelling read. It is ultimately in the hands of the reader to offer a verdict of innocence that differs from what the jurors heard and saw in the courtrooms and arguments from the prosecution side that got caught up in botched evidence and testimony. 

There is also a great amount of interest about the life of Aaron Hernandez. The talented and gifted athlete had those bad influences around him. Before and after he reached NFL status, as one of the all-time greats for the New England Patriots, there were hints of trouble with marijuana possession and the wrong circle of friends. 

We read about Aaron Hernandez and the trouble which ended in the potential Hall of Famer taking his life and the legal battle to examine his brain.. It becomes conclusive that at a young age Aaron Hernandez suffered from CPE, a major detriment to many former NFL players and that battle for more awareness with the league.

More compelling is how Aaron Hernandez took his life. There are behind the scene photos of the trial and images of the suicide notes. There is that exclusive and first time reading the third suicide note that Hernandez personally wrote to Baez who became his best friend and believed there was innocence. 

In detail, this is about the life of a NFL star and perspectives from those that knew what he was up against in that quest to be one of the best on the gridiron.

Baez said Aaron Hernandez wanted him to tell the story. “I want you to tell it,” he said to Baez. “And don’t hold back. Tell the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Baez said he would think about it.

“I told him, I would think about it, and really had no intention of revisiting the subject until after his death,” he said.

Now it is told in detail about the tragedy and victims. The Hernandez family and a detailed version about CTE and how the condition can impact youngsters that aspire to be the next star in the NFL is a lesson in itself.

Agree or disagree about the life of Aaron Hernandez? Innocent or guilty? Jose Baez and George Willis make you read every line and not in between.

 Published by Hachette Books “Unnecessary Roughness” Inside the Trial and Final Days of Aaron Hernandez is available in bookstores and Amazon.com

Comment: [email protected]  Twitter@Ring786  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

 

About the Author

Rich Mancuso

Rich Mancuso is a regular contributor at NY Sports Day, covering countless New York Mets, Yankees, and MLB teams along with some of the greatest boxing matches over the years. He is an award winning sports journalist and previously worked for The Associated Press, New York Daily News, Gannett, and BoxingInsider.com, in a career that spans almost 40 years.

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