Not many people in the world have a Super Bowl ring, much less three. But that doesn't stop Tom Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots from wanting more. With the crushing disappointment of failing to add to their trophy case the last two years looming over their heads this season, one has to wonder: are the Pats cursed? Could their fall from NFL dominance be tied to the distraction caused by former tight end Aaron Hernandez's murder trial? The double homicide suspect has been gone from the team for nearly two years.
The high-profile murder trial is interesting enough based purely on the facts, but Hernandez's behavior makes it even more interesting. For example, back in January, Hernandez allegedly discussed details of the Odin Lloyd case with friends over the phone while in custody (via CNN):
"Prosecutors said Hernandez used coded messages when discussing with friends allegations that he planned the June 17 killing of Lloyd in a North Attleborough, Massachusetts, industrial park, where Lloyd was found shot to death."
While Hernandez was promptly dismissed after the stink of murder allegations started to surface, the shadow of his absence surely must be felt, both on the field and off.
Also, any distraction would be bad news for the Pats, for whom getting to the Conference finals or the Super Bowl year after year just isn't enough (via ESPN):
"For most franchises, that would be an encouraging trend. Not this one. Futility has replaced winning as a postseason habit and it's sticking in the craw of the holy trinity of the coach, the quarterback and the owner."
What do you think?
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