BOSTON (WHDH) — Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez proclaimed his innocence in a letter to a fan that he wrote from his jail cell.
That fan, a man named Karl, said he was once an inmate at the Bristol County House of Correction as Hernandez now is. Karl gave the letter to TMZ. In it Hernandez says he’s not guilty. He wrote, “I know God has a plan for me and I know something good will come out of this.” It also mentions Hernandez plans to play in the NFL again. Hernandez wrote, “Can’t wait to sign this again when I’m playing again and prove all the haters and…talkers wrong.” He also said, “I fell off, especially after making all that money, but when it’s all said and done, ‘God’ put me in the situation for a reason.”
TMZ said it verified the letter and confirmed it was sent from the jail where Hernandez is being held.
Hernandez goes on to say he’s always been known as a great person and is known for having an amazing heart.
Sheriff Thomas Hodgson said that most inmates stick to their innocence when in the facility.
“Most people generally do proclaim their innocence when they are here,” he said.
The commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, spoke for the first time about the former star player who is now the focus of a criminal case.
“It is a black eye. You never want o see your players involved with anything off the field or criminal in any nature,” said Goodell.
Hernandez is accused of shooting and killing semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd in an industrial park in North Attleboro.
Hernandez was cut from the Patriots right after he was arrested.