American Scandal - Aaron Hernandez: A Football Tragedy | The Vow | 1

Episode Date: November 21, 2023

The sports world was shocked in 2013 when Aaron Hernandez, star tight end for the New England Patriots, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. But dating back to his days as a heavily recruited college athlete, there had been signs of ominous changes in his behavior: paranoia, failed drug tests, and run-ins with the law. And after Hernandez's death, some wondered if those changes could be attributed to a neurological condition called CTE.Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen completely ad-free. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or visit wondery.app.link/IM5aogASNNb now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're listening to the first episode of this American Scandal season. With Wondery+, you can binge the remaining episodes, listen to new episodes early, and explore more exclusive seasons completely ad-free. Start your free trial of Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. A listener note. This episode contains descriptions of graphic material and references to suicide and may not be suitable for a younger audience. It's November 9, 2017, in a ballroom on the campus of Boston University. 2017 in a ballroom on the campus of Boston University. Dr. Anne McKee is standing off to the side of a stage, clutching her laptop as she watches a large crowd filter into the room.

McKee is a neuropathologist and researcher who studies the human brain. She has blonde hair and is wearing a dark jacket and a pressed white button-up, a conservative outfit that's fitting for today's event, an annual medical conference hosted by the university. As part of the event, McKee has been scheduled to present her latest findings. But as she looks out at the ballroom, McKee can see she's about to speak to a far different crowd from the usual gathering of academics and medical scientists. The ballroom is filling up with local and national news reporters. The ballroom is filling up with local and national news reporters. They're carrying microphones and cameras, and there's a buzzing sense of anticipation as the crowd waits for McKee to address what's now becoming a national news story.

McKee has spent years studying a degenerative brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. The disease is associated with the kind of head trauma experienced by soldiers in combat or victims of physical violence. But McKee, who runs a university center focusing on CTE, has cultivated a specialty for analyzing the brains of deceased athletes. And recently, she examined the brain of a man who might be the most high-profile athlete yet. Aaron Hernandez was once among the most promising young players in the NFL. But after just three seasons with the New England Patriots, Hernandez was arrested and convicted of murder.

Then, earlier this year, at just 27 years old, Hernandez died in prison. The following day, Hernandez's family donated his brain to McKee's lab for analysis. And it was during her examination that McKee made a shocking discovery, one she knows could have repercussions far beyond the world of brain science and even transform the multi-billion dollar industry of professional football. When it's her time to speak, McKee heads to the lectern and looks over her shoulder to confirm her presentation is being projected onto the screen behind her. Then she begins to address the crowd.

First, I want to thank the Hernandez family for entrusting our lab with Aaron's brain. I know this whole process has been very difficult for them, and I appreciate everyone coming here, making time to better understand what we believe is a critical issue for human health. Now, as you might know, at our lab, we've studied a total of 468 brains, but the severity of trauma we found with Mr. Hernandez is something we've never seen before in someone this young. Now, if you look at the slide behind me, you'll see an image of a healthy 27-year-old brain. McKee gestures to a cross-section showing two hemispheres of a normal human brain. Then she clicks over to the next slide.

Now, you can compare that with this image of Aaron Hernandez. As you can see, Aaron's brain appears shrunken with large holes throughout. And what that reveals are classic signs of CTE, especially in the frontal lobes, which are very important for decision-making, judgment, and cognition. The key clicks over to the next slide. And here we can also see that Mr. Hernandez had early brain atrophy. Now, this kind of trauma occurs when the brain hits the sides of the skull.

That often happens when players collide with each other or land on the ground. And because those impacts are taking place inside the skull, there's no helmet in the world that can prevent the damage. It's an intrinsic component of football. Now, I know I've introduced some complicated issues with neuroanatomy, so I'm happy to take questions. A reporter in the audience raises her hand. Dr. McKee, the damage we're seeing in Aaron Hernandez's brain, is it possible it could have been caused by just one or two concussions? No, this is substantial damage that undoubtedly took years to develop. We observed a number of features that point to repetitive brain trauma. Aaron probably experienced thousands of these collisions over the course of his career. Do you believe that this trauma can explain Mr. Hernandez's disturbing behavior? Well, that's a complicated question.

In any individual, we can't take the pathology and explain the behavior. But Aaron Hernandez was convicted of murder. To what degree is CTE implicated in this crime? McKee pauses. It's impossible to draw a perfect cause and effect between a neurological condition and a person's decisions. There are far too many complicating factors, including all the experiences a person accumulates over the course of their life. Still, McKee and other scientists have learned a lot about chronic brain injuries. And those findings can't be dismissed in a case like Aaron Hernandez. Well, what we can say in our collective experience is that individuals with CTE and CTE of this severity, they have difficulty with impulse control, decision making, inhibition of impulses for aggression, emotional volatility, and rage

behaviors. We've seen this emerge many times. The crowd of reporters begins murmuring. McKee knows her findings, and her blunt statement about the dangers inherent in football carry large implications for everyone involved in the sport, from the NFL down to the peewee leagues. She's amassed compelling evidence that head trauma, sustained on the field, can have devastating effects that bleed out into the wider world. And while her findings will likely reignite the public debate about the risks of playing football, McKee also can't help but think about Aaron Hernandez himself. He was a terrible tragedy, wreaked havoc on the lives of those around him. But now that he's gone, maybe his story can offer a lesson about sports, fame, and money, and our collective willingness to ignore a crisis until it's too late.

In the past decade, Boeing has been involved in a series of scandals and deadly crashes that have dented its once sterling reputation. At the center of it all, the 737 MAX, the latest season of Business Wars, explores how Boeing allowed things to turn deadly and what, if anything, can save the company's reputation. Make sure to listen to Business Wars wherever you get your podcasts. From Wondery, I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is American Scandal. When news of Aaron Hernandez's arrest broke in 2013, it was almost too shocking to believe. One of the top players of the NFL's most glamorous team, the New England Patriots, stood accused of murder. Fans and other observers couldn't understand how a man with a $40 million contract,

living in a mansion with his fiancée and daughter, could have committed such a violent crime. But in the aftermath of his arrest, some began to wonder whether Hernandez's story was more than just an isolated case and whether it had something to do with the growing scandal surrounding football players and the brain condition known as CTE. In the decade before Hernandez's arrest, nearly a dozen former NFL players had died by suicide and then were diagnosed post-mortem with CTE. And about a month after Hernandez's arrest, the NFL reached a large settlement with former players, compensating them for concussion-related injuries. So when researcher Ann McKee announced that Hernandez's brain showed striking evidence of CTE,

his family, friends, and former teammates weren't surprised. They'd seen how Hernandez had unraveled over half a decade. A sweet, fun-loving boy had gradually descended into a state of paranoia with wild and sudden mood swings and a fascination with drugs and violence. And while many were surprised that Hernandez ended up in prison for murder, there had been warning signs all along the way, including failed drug tests, bizarre behavior in the locker room, and numerous run-ins with the law. But Hernandez had often been treated differently. He was a rare football talent and a standout on two of the

greatest teams of the era, in college, at the University of Florida, then as a professional with the New England Patriots. And because Hernandez was a winner, it was often shielded from the consequences of his behavior, even when those closest to him began to see the signs of trouble. This is Episode 1, The Vow. It's January 2006, almost 12 years before Anne McKee announces her shocking findings at Boston University. It's a cold, gray morning in Bristol, Connecticut, a small city about 20 miles southwest of Hartford. And at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 16-year-old Aaron Hernandez steps onto a wraparound porch and looks out over a sprawling crowd. It's a surreal sight. There must be a thousand people

here. The line is stretching out of the funeral home, across the porch, and all the way down Lincoln Avenue. And while Aaron recognizes some of the people from school or the neighborhood, most of them are strangers. For Aaron, the whole thing doesn't feel real. Seems like just yesterday that his father, Dennis, checked into a hospital for an emergency hernia surgery. And at first, everything seemed to be fine. But then Dennis went into toxic shock. The next thing they knew, he was gone at just 49 years old.

Aaron is only a high school junior. And with a loss so sudden and so unexpected, he's barely been able to make sense of his unfolding grief. But he can also see he's not the only one who's suffering. All around the funeral home, strangers look despondent, as if they'd lost a member of their own family. Aaron has heard all the stories. His father was something of a local hero in Bristol, and the star of every sports team in his youth. His nickname around town was The King.

And even as a middle-aged adult, people in town still spoke with reverence about his athletic gifts, remembering how Dennis had secured a scholarship to play football at the University of Connecticut. Dennis was one of those local figures who loomed larger than life, and Aaron always dreamed of following in his footsteps, making it as an athlete. So far, it seems like he's on track. Aaron is now one of the best high school football players in the state. He's a star tight end and wide receiver who's already been approached by recruiters from colleges around the country. He, of course, owes a lot of his success to his late father.

Aaron and his brother, DJ, both showed an early talent for sports, and Dennis worked hard to cultivate their gifts, waking them up early to do push-ups and run drills in the backyard, and teaching them the value of hard work and perseverance. The training paid off for Aaron and his brother. DJ is now the quarterback of the University of Connecticut. But for the two Hernandez brothers, reaching that level of success came with costs. While Dennis poured his passion into building the boys up, he would also tear them down with the same ferocity. When Dennis believed his sons fell short,

he would beat them. One time when Dennis was really angry, he stabbed DJ and the scout with the sharp prongs of a vacuum cord. Aaron remembers screaming as the blood poured down his brother's face. But Dennis could even be more cruel with Aaron. Aaron didn't always carry himself with the type of machismo that Dennis expected of his sons. Dennis would hurl homophobic slurs at him, saying that a gay boy had no place in the Hernandez home. But Aaron wasn't gay.

He was bisexual. And he's been secretly carrying on a romantic relationship with one of his friends from his high school team. So as he makes his way through the funeral home and peers over at his father's casket, he's filled with a deep feeling of shame. More than anything else in the world, he wanted to make his father proud and become the kind of man Dennis always valued. Strong and fearless, unbreakable on the field and off. But Aaron can still become that man. He can still do his best to honor his father's legacy. So even when the casket is closed for the final time and his older brother and mom

begin to weep, Aaron refuses to allow himself a single tear. He won't show any weakness. Even as Aaron says goodbye to his father one last time. Instead, he puffs out his chest and keeps his shoulders straight. And as he walks away, past crowds of onlookers, Aaron makes a solemn vow. When he knows we'll give him the strength to make it through his grief, he's not going to visit his father's grave, not until he carries out Dennis' ultimate dream for his two sons, to make it to the NFL and to win a Super Bowl. to make it to the NFL, and to win a Super Bowl. In the days and weeks after his father's death, Aaron Hernandez remains committed to his solemn vow.

The 16-year-old puts his head down and channels all his energy into training, working to become one of the best football players in Connecticut. He surpasses his older brother and recently deceased father in size and strength. And soon, college football coaches from around the country take notice and begin trying to recruit Hernandez to play for their teams. Making it as a college star is the first step toward an illustrious career in the NFL. And at first, Hernandez commits to playing for his father's college team, the UConn Huskies. But in the spring of 2006, Hernandez takes a trip down to the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he quickly falls in love with the school's football program.

The Gators are a top-ten team with an enormous stadium and world-class training facilities, all of which appeals to Hernandez. And by the end of the trip, he makes his decision. He's skipping out on UConn and heading to Florida. The team is happy with makes his decision. He's skipping out on UConn and heading to Florida. The team is happy with Hernandez's decision, but Florida's coach Urban Meyer is looking for freshmen who can learn the playbook in time to gear up for spring football and would like Hernandez to graduate high school a semester early in order to get a head start. That's a problem for Hernandez. He's

vowed to make it to the NFL, and playing for Florida seems like the best way to do that. At the same time, he's a weaker student. He's not sure he'll be able to get through his high school coursework in time to meet his new coach's deadline. But an unusual meeting takes place at Bristol Central High School, one that offers Hernandez a path to leave high school early. One day in 2006, the school's principal, Dennis Sigman, is sitting at his desk working and waiting for the arrival of a nationally recognized figure. Sigmund has worked at Bristol Central High for more than 30 years,

and in that time the school has never seen someone quite like Aaron Hernandez. Sigmund knows that Hernandez has been flooded with recruiting pitches from across the country. He also knows how easy it is for a kid like Aaron to get chewed up and spit out by the world of major college sports. So when there's a knock on the door and Sigmund looks up to find Florida coach Urban Meyer, he prepares for what could be a contentious meeting. Sigmund's going to ask some hard questions about the university's plan for Aaron Hernandez. He's going to prod the coach about his intentions, to make sure the school is going to take care of Hernandez. Two men exchange pleasant greetings, and as they take their seats, Meyer begins laying on the charm. He says he's just come from the Hernandez house

where he met with Aaron and his mother. They both have great things to say about Sigmund and the school. Meyer continues flattering the principal, but before Sigmund can get to his list of questions, Meyer is already on to the next subject, saying that he'd like Aaron to graduate from Bristol a semester early and move down to Gainesville in January. That way, Hernandez can get a head start on learning Florida's offensive system. All Meyer needs is a little help in smoothing things out on the administrative end. Sigmund is stunned by the suggestion, and his gut tells him this is too much too soon for Aaron Hernandez. He's a good kid, but he's only 16,

and he often displays the maturity of someone even younger. On top of which, his father just passed away. Sigmund isn't sure it's such a good idea to send Hernandez to college in such an emotionally fragile state. But Meyer says bringing players in early is a growing trend in college football, and Florida is on the cutting edge. They've had a handful of other recruits do the same, and they've got great results both on and off the field. Sigmund pushes back. Beyond everything happening in Hernandez's personal life, he also isn't academically prepared for college-level coursework. But Meyer appears

ready for every objection. He explains that Hernandez will enroll at a nearby community college for the spring semester. And Florida has a team of tutors who work with athletes like Aaron. They'll be able to give him more resources than he could even get at Bristol Central. Sigmund still feels that this could be a disastrous decision. But he can see Meyer is not going to take no for an answer. And he knows Hernandez is going to do whatever Myers suggests anyways.

So Sigmund gives in. And despite his deep reluctance, he agrees to help make sure Hernandez can officially graduate high school in December. As Aaron Hernandez heads into his senior year of high school, the future is looking bright. Hernandez has grown bigger and stronger. He has a scholarship to a college with a top-ten football team,

and he feels like he's on his way to becoming the man his father wanted him to be. But at home, things start to fall apart. In September of 2006, Hernandez's cousin Tanya shows up at one of his football practices and tells him that his mother, Terry, is having an affair with Tanya shows up at one of his football practices and tells him that his mother, Terry, is having an affair with Tanya's husband. Hernandez is devastated by the idea that his mom would so quickly replace his father, and he's disgusted that she would do so with a member of her own extended family. So Hernandez stops speaking with his mother and all but moves in with Tanya, where he increasingly caves to his worst impulses.

Tanya's house is notorious for hosting a revolving cast of ex-cons, gangsters, and drug dealers. And after school and on the weekends, Hernandez spends hours hanging out with this group smoking weed. For Hernandez, the experience sparks a growing affinity for street life, a romance that will later play a major role in the most tragic decisions of his life. And although his mother tries to repair their relationship, Hernandez is unwilling to mend fences. He just needs to get through his short senior year

and make it to Florida for training in January, without getting hurt in his final games as a high school player. But on October 21, 2006, Hernandez suffers a health scare. That Saturday night, Hernandez is out on the field at Bristol Central High School. The bright lights shimmer on his maroon helmet and white uniform, and Hernandez is lined up playing tight end. There's under two minutes left in the game, and Hernandez's team is trailing 27-26. With the clock winding down, they're desperately pushing, driving down the field looking to score. At the line of scrimmage, Hernandez is crouched into a three-point stand,

with his right hand pressed into the artificial turf. He looks straight ahead and bites down hard on his mouthpiece. As the ball is snapped, Hernandez explodes forward, trying to move right through an imposing linebacker. But just as he looks up, his head smashes straight into the helmet of the defenseman. Hernandez crumples onto the turf and briefly loses consciousness. When he comes to, he opens his eyes

and the bright stadium lights pierce his clouded vision. A trainer helps him to his feet, and together they slowly walk off the field. But as he approaches the sideline, his head pounding, Hernandez looks at the clock on the scoreboard and sees there's still more than a minute left to play. Hernandez turns to his coach. Coach, call a timeout. It's not over. I can still get us a touchdown. Hey, Aaron, I appreciate the thought, but you're sitting the rest of this one out. Just give me back my helmet. I can play. I'm fine. Aaron, you're not fine. You might have had a concussion. I don't care. We can still win.

Hey, I'm sorry, buddy. It's not worth the risk. Go take a seat and shake this one off. Coach, give me back my helmet. I'm telling you I can play. Aaron, go take a seat. End of discussion, okay? No, you know what? Hernandez looks to his teammates and begins stalking up and down the sideline. Someone give me their helmet. Coach took mine away. You all want to lose? Aaron, I told you to take a seat. And everyone, do not give your helmet to Hernandez. He's done for the night. Guys, I'm completely fine. Just got the wind knocked out of me. Give me your helmet. We can still win. Aaron, you heard what I said.

Last warning. Hernandez pauses before continuing to plead with his coach, who Hernandez believes is wrong. There's nothing to be worried about. But right then, he feels a smack on his shoulder pad. And when he turns, he finds his brother, DJ, has made his way down to the field. He looks upset.

DJ demands to know what Aaron's doing. He reminds him he was just knocked out cold two minutes ago. He's not going back in the game, and as soon as the clock runs out, they're going to the hospital. Aaron tries making his case again, but he can tell no one's going to listen. So Aaron storms away and watches the remainder of the game far from his teammates. And when the clock runs out, Bristol Central comes away with a loss. Aaron remains stewing, upset with his coach and teammates and himself. He was not man enough to get past a small, insignificant injury. He didn't break a bone. He didn't even strain a tendon. He was just hit hard, the kind of thing that happens every day in football. But if that's how people are going to respond, then he's just going to have to get stronger and tougher and never stay down,

even when the other team delivers the hardest of hits. He was hip-hop's biggest mogul, the man who redefined fame, fortune, and the music industry. The first male rapper to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame industry. Diddy built an empire and lived a life most people only dream about. But just as quickly as his empire rose, it came crashing down. Today, I'm announcing the unsealing of a three-count indictment, charging Sean Combs with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, interstate transportation for prostitution. I was f***ed up. I hit rock bottom.

But I made no excuses. I'm disgusted. I'm so sorry. Until you're wearing an orange jumpsuit, it's not real. Now it's real. From his meteoric rise to his shocking fall from grace, from law and crime, this is the rise and fall of Diddy. Listen to the rise and fall of Diddy exclusively with Wondery Plus. On January 5th, 2024, an Alaska Airlines door plug tore away mid-flight, leaving a gaping hole in the side of a plane that carried 171 passengers. This heart-stopping incident was just the latest in a string of crises surrounding the

aviation manufacturing giant Boeing. In the past decade, Boeing has been involved in a series of damning scandals and deadly crashes that have chipped away at its once sterling reputation. At the center of it all, the 737 MAX. The latest season of Business Wars explores how Boeing, once the gold standard of aviation engineering, descended into a nightmare of safety concerns and public mistrust. The decisions, denials, and devastating consequences bringing the Titan to its knees

and what, if anything, can save the company's reputation. Now, follow Business Wars on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge Business Wars, The Unraveling of Boeing, early and ad-free right now on Wondery Plus. In October of 2006, after colliding headfirst with an opposing player in a high school football game, Aaron Hernandez is taken to the hospital. And following a medical evaluation, he's diagnosed with a concussion. Still, Hernandez doesn't waste any time returning to the field. The following week, he suits back up and plays the very next game for Bristol Central High.

And by the time he finishes his senior season, Hernandez has ranked the number one high school tight end in America with state records for receiving yards and touchdowns. Having made it to the top of high school football, Hernandez takes the next step in his budding career. He graduates early and moves to Gainesville to begin playing for the University of Florida. And on his first day of classes in Florida, the football team there wins the national championship. The red brick streets of the college town flood with thousands of fans.

They climb light poles and up onto rooftops, screaming with pride. And Hernandez, only 17 years old, quickly realizes he's now living in a far different world than Bristol, Connecticut, and that he's arrived in the center of the college football universe. Within months, he poses for a Sports Illustrated photo shoot alongside seven other Florida recruits who also joined the team a semester early. It's a reminder that college football is a multi-billion dollar industry, and Florida is one of its highest-earning brands. Theoretically, Hernandez is supposed to be focusing on his college education. But in reality, football comes first. Hernandez spends hours on the practice field, in the weight room, and at home watching game tape, all which adds up to something like a full-time job. He enrolls in less than

rigorous college courses like theater appreciation, gardening, and even bowling. But at the same time, Hernandez is treated like a rock star by students on campus. And he jumps headfirst into the party scene, continuing his old habits from back home of drinking and getting high. There are even early signs of the dangerous and criminal behavior that will later come to define his life. Hernandez quickly gets two traffic citations, one for riding a scooter recklessly on campus and another for driving a motorcycle without a license plate. And then, only four months after moving to Florida, Hernandez has his first serious run-in with the law. On April 18, 2007, a group of football players, including Hernandez, head out

to a bar and grill in Gainesville. That evening, coach Urban Meyer has given the team's quarterback Tim Tebow an important task, keep Aaron Hernandez out of trouble. Tebow is a natural fit for the assignment. He's a squeaky clean Christian and a charismatic leader, and this is an opportunity to show how his maturity can rub off on the other players. So as the group arrives at the restaurant, Tebow keeps a close watch on Hernandez, making sure he's not doing anything he shouldn't, and taking every opportunity to make this a responsible night. A little before 1 a.m., Tebow finds Hernandez and another player at a high-top table

accepting a couple of drinks from a waitress. He watches as Hernandez sniffs the drink and dumps its contents into his lemonade. Hernandez is still underage, so Tebow heads over to the table to have a chat. Hey Aaron, what you got there? I don't know, that girl just handed it to me. You didn't order it? Nah, she's probably just a fan. I don't even know what it was. You want a sip? No, thank you. And anyway, it's getting late. I think we should get out of here. We'll head out in a bit. Aaron, remember, we got practice in the morning. You got to be fresh. Oh, I'll be fine. And you'll be more than fine if you get a good night's sleep.

Hernandez tips back the rest of the drink and winces as it goes down. Look, Tim, you don't have to be my mom here. Aaron, I'm just saying. We came to Florida because we want to win. That means giving up certain distractions. Yeah, well, now I'm really distracted. Hernandez peers into his glass, but seeing that it's empty, he stands and begins lurching forward.

All right, come on, let's get out of here. Well, that sounds like a good plan, Aaron. Soon, Hernandez, Tebow, and the others make their way downstairs toward the front door. But as they move through the bar, Tebow sees the manager slap Hernandez on the shoulder before demanding to know who's going to pay for the drinks. Hernandez replies that he didn't order any drinks and turns away. But the manager doesn't buy it. He and Hernandez then start arguing.

And Tebow can see this is going in a bad direction. So he apologizes to the manager before shepherding Hernandez out the front door. Still the dispute isn't over. Outside on the sidewalk, the manager confronts them again and Hernandez still refuses to pay. Now Tebow is concerned. The street is full of people and Hernandez is making a scene. So Tebow reaches for his wallet to pay the bill himself.

But right then, Hernandez cocks back his arm and slugs the manager in the ear. The manager falls down to his knees as Hernandez hovers over him. Security guards quickly move in, but Tebow bear hugs Hernandez and yanks him away. The two spend a moment tussling before Hernandez breaks free and then sprints down the sidewalk, fleeing the scene. After apologizing to the manager, Tebow heads down the block and finds Hernandez hiding around the corner. He looks scared and asks whether they're going to take him to jail. Tebow shakes his head and says he doesn't know, but he's going to call Coach Meyer, because he knows how to handle these kind of things. Teebo takes out his phone and dials,

feeling a knot growing in his stomach. He promised to keep Hernandez out of trouble, and now he's already let their coach down, before Hernandez has even played his first game. Of course, Aaron Hernandez is not the first Florida player to get in trouble, and Tebow has seen how these things tend to get smoothed over by the school. Following the fight outside the bar, Aaron Hernandez and his teammate Tim Tebow are questioned by police, and Hernandez once again denies ordering the drinks. But he now faces a bigger problem than a dispute over an unpaid bar tap. The manager wants to file charges, saying Hernandez ruptured his eardrum when he punched him,

a claim that could elevate the charge to a felony. So shortly after receiving Tebow's late-night call, Florida coach Urban Meyer contacts Huntley Johnson, a lawyer who works for the team. Johnson is an expert at getting Florida's notoriously rowdy football players out of legal trouble. He's done it so many times, people around campus joke that he's the real team MVP. And Johnson works his magic for Hernandez, too. After speaking with the team's lawyers and coaches, the restaurant manager agrees to drop all charges. And to the relief of everyone involved, the incident does not become public until years later. But while another, more mature athlete might have treated the event as a wake-up call,

Hernandez does not change his behavior. In September 2007, just a month into his freshman season, Hernandez and a few of his teammates get involved in another incident outside a bar in Gainesville. This time it ends with two men shot, one in the arm and the other in the head. Both men survive, but a witness initially identifies Hernandez as the shooter. Hernandez and his teammates go back to the team's attorney, Huntley Johnson, before meeting with police. And while in the following days there are conflicting

accounts from witnesses, no charges are ever filed. But although he avoids jail time, Hernandez quickly develops a bad reputation, especially as he continues to party and get high, even before playing games. Still, as the season unfolds, Hernandez proves himself a valuable player, even as a freshman. The team continues to rack up victories, and at the end of the season, they make it all the way to the national championship, a game that offers Hernandez a shot at personal redemption. On January 8, 2009, at Dolphins Stadium outside Miami, the game begins with a defensive battle. The score is tied at seven at the half, but coming out of the locker room at halftime, and after hearing a pep talk from quarterback Tim Tebow, Hernandez feels driven to win.

So as he steps back onto the field, Hernandez puts on his helmet and cracks his neck. Then early in the third quarter, with the game still tied, a play is called for Hernandez at the two-yard line. Hernandez takes his spot on the far left side of the line, and as the ball is snapped, he fires out of a three-point stance, getting his hands up into the chest of the defender as if blocking for a run. But it's a fake.

He releases the block and darts into the end zone as Tebow fakes a pitch to another player before launching the ball in Hernandez's direction. Hernandez raises his hands for the catch, ready for the euphoric feeling of a touchdown. But Tebow throws the ball a bit low, and Hernandez loses his footing before falling to the ground and letting the ball slip out of his hands. The pass is incomplete. As Hernandez jogs back to the huddle, he feels sick with

embarrassment. It was a catchable pass, maybe the biggest play of his life, and he just dropped the ball in the end zone. But late in the fourth quarter, Hernandez gets another chance for a big play. Florida is now up, but only by three points and desperate to put the game out of reach. Hernandez takes his spot on the right edge of the line. And when the ball is snapped, he sprints left into the backfield.

Tebow flips him the ball and this time, Hernandez squeezes it hard against his belly. Using both hands, his eyes turned upfield. field. Thiebaud flips him the ball and this time, Hernandez squeezes it hard against his belly, using both hands, his eyes turned upfield. Hernandez sprints past the line of scrimmage. He has a first down, but he wants to make it to the end zone. So he lowers his helmet, knocking heads with an oncoming linebacker. The collision sends a shock from his forehead down his spine, but it's not enough to bring Hernandez down. He grinds forward, carrying the defender on his hip. And when another defender steps forward, Hernandez drops his head again. The two men smash helmets, but Hernandez keeps going, now dragging both defenders forward

another two yards, before finally succumbing to a tackle at the six-yard line. Hernandez explodes off the turf, pumping both his fists toward the crowd and screaming in triumph. He feels like a wild animal, one that's strong and unbreakable. And then, after Hernandez jogs to the sideline for a breather, the game continues, and Tebow flicks another pass, earning the Florida Gators a touchdown. With that play, the game is all but over, and Hernandez is about to achieve one of the greatest accomplishments of his life so far. Soon when the clock runs out, it's official. The Gators are national champions. And with the whole country watching, Aaron Hernandez is more

confident than ever that it's now only a matter of time before he makes it to the NFL. I'm Jake Warren, and in our first season of Finding, I set out on a very personal quest to find the woman who saved my mom's life. You can listen to Finding Natasha right now, exclusively on Wondery Plus. In season two, I found myself caught up in a new journey to help someone I've never even met. But a couple of years ago, I came across a social media post by a person named Loti. It read in part, three years ago today that I attempted to jump off this bridge, but this wasn't my time to go. A gentleman named Andy saved my life. I still haven't found him. This is a story that I came across purely by chance, but it instantly moved me. And it's

taken me to a place where I've had to consider some deeper issues around mental health. This is season two of Finding, and this time, if all goes to plan, we'll be finding Andy. You can listen to Finding Andy and Finding Natasha exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. By 2009, Aaron Hernandez proves himself capable of performing at the highest level of college football. As a junior at the University of Florida, he receives the Mac chance altogether. The coach is concerned because Aaron is still getting high. He's already failed at least one drug test, resulting in a one-game suspension. But now he's smoking so heavily,

the coach is worried Aaron could get suspended for his entire senior season, which could ruin his shot at turning pro. So Aaron decides to make the leap and skip out on his senior year. He declares for the draft and undergoes a battery of physical and mental tests as he auditions in front of NFL scouts. Unsurprisingly, the scouts were impressed with Hernandez's athleticism. He has the physical traits worthy of a first-round pick, but there are also red flags about his personality and emotional strength. In one psychological profile, Hernandez scores just a 1 out of 10 for social maturity, and every team asks Hernandez about his drug use. Hernandez knows the scouts have been digging deep

into his background, so he decides to face the issue head-on, saying yes, he has gotten high in the past. And he's tested positive multiple times. But Hernandez promises that those days are behind him, that he's cleaned up and ready for the NFL. But despite his promises, many evaluators will come away believing it's just too risky to invest millions of dollars on a contract for Hernandez. And Hernandez ends up on the do-not-draft list for several organizations. But there are 32 teams in the NFL, and even if he's blacklisted by a few of them, Hernandez still has faith he'll make it to the pros. So he stays the course. And on April 24, 2010, a small group of people close to Hernandez gather to watch the draft and wait to hear the good news. This group includes

Hernandez and his brother DJ, along with Hernandez's agent and a few other family members and friends. They've all piled into the living room in DJ's apartment in Bristol, Connecticut, with coverage of the draft playing on TV. As DJ glances around the room, he can see everyone here is a bundle of nerves. It's the third straight day they've assembled, waiting to see which team is going to pick Aaron. And by now, the draft is halfway through the fourth round, out of seven total. It's not looking good. Even though Aaron has a stellar career as a college athlete, DJ can tell that professional teams just don't want to take a risk on someone with a history of getting into trouble. It's both painful and disappointing.

Playing in the NFL has been Aaron's lifelong dream, and DJ has always been there, dreaming along with him. And while it's not over yet, and there are still three and a half more rounds, even if Aaron does get drafted, this moment should serve as a wake-up call, showing Aaron that he needs to get serious about his life and career. So during a commercial break, DJ says he's going to get some fresh air, and he suggests that Aaron come outside with him. As DJ and Aaron step out into the street, DJ is struck by how nonchalant his brother seems, as though Aaron doesn't grasp that his dwindling fortunes

are a consequence of his own poor decision-making. DJ has a few words to say to his brother, but he doesn't think it's a good idea to start with anything that sounds hostile or accusatory. So instead, he asks a series of gentle but leading questions. Man, this is pretty crazy, right? Everyone knows you're the best tight end of the draft. Why do you think you're dropping like this? Well, hell if I know, DJ. The teams just do what they're going to do. If they want to make a mistake, it's out of my hands. Well, except there is something you could have done, right? Couldn't you have taken that a little

easier on the weed? I don't know. I smoked every day at Florida and still got the Mackey Award. Yeah, but look, Aaron, I've got to shoot straight. You might have been able to get away with that in Florida, in college, but these coaches are in the NFL. They're not going to baby you like Coach Meyer. They will cut you and move on to the next guy. You think I acted like a baby at Florida? I earned what I got.

No, that's not what I'm saying. You're saying I didn't work hard to make it this far. No, of course, I know you worked hard. That's exactly what I'm trying to say. saying I didn't work hard to make it this far. No, of course, I know you worked hard. That's exactly what I'm trying to say. You put your life into this. This is your dream. And this is what older brothers do. It's what Dad would have said if he was here.

I'm trying to protect you, man. DJ, you don't need to protect me. I'm going to get drafted. And when I do, I'm not going to be some third string nobody. You'll see. Anyways, it's about to come back on. Let's go inside. Okay, but look, just promise me you're going to get serious and get yourself cleaned up.

Aaron doesn't say anything and begins walking back toward the apartment before calling out over his shoulder. Come on, commercial's over. Let's go see who's going to take me. DJ can see he's not going to wring any concessions out of his younger brother. So he follows Aaron back inside the apartment and takes a seat in front of the TV, along with the rest of the group. They continue to watch the draft as it plods along through the fourth round. But soon Aaron's cell phone rings and everyone in the room goes silent. Aaron picks it up and puts the call on speakerphone. An NFL team official is on the other end of the line and he announces he has some good news.

Aaron Hernandez is about to be drafted by the New England Patriots. The room erupts in cheers and Aaron runs into DJ's arms, giving him a long hug as the two begin to cry. The news comes as an incredible relief to DJ. A part of him believed Aaron's off-the-field behavior was going to cost him his entire future. But now Aaron is going to get to play for the Patriots, their hometown team. When he was a kid, Aaron used to run around the schoolyard wearing his Patriots jersey.

It's the kind of fantasy every young athlete dreams of. And while it's good to have Aaron so close to home, DJ is going to have to continue to keep an eye on him. Because Aaron has a long history of getting into trouble back at home. But now, the entire sports world is going to be watching. From Wondery, this is episode one of Aaron Hernandez, a football

tragedy from American Scandal. In our next episode, Aaron Hernandez earns a record-breaking contract with the New England Patriots, but off the field, he quickly begins to unravel. You've just listened to the beginning of our season on Aaron Hernandez,

and the story is only starting to unravel. Over the course of the season, you'll witness Hernandez's world begin to fall apart, strained relationships, mounting legal pressures, and shocking evidence that leaves even his closest allies struggling with doubt. As his fiancée watches the case unfold and his brother grapples with uncertainty, Hernandez faces a growing mountain of evidence,

surveillance footage, text messages, and witness testimonies that cast a shadow over his version of events. But beyond the details, a deeper question remains. How did a star athlete with everything to lose find himself accused of murder? And as the investigation peels back the layers of Hernandez's life, you'll discover that the real battle may be the one he's fighting within himself. To listen to the rest of this season of American Scandal, start your free trial of Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. With Wondery Plus, you can listen to other incredible history podcasts like American History Tellers, History Daily, Tides of History, and more. Download the Wondery app today.

If you'd like to learn more about Aaron Hernandez, we recommend the books The Truth About Aaron by Jonathan Hernandez and All-American Murder by James Patterson, as well as the Boston Globe Series gladiator, Aaron Hernandez and Football, Inc. This episode contains reenactments and dramatized details. And while in most cases we can't know exactly what was said, all our dramatizations are based on historical research. American Scandal is hosted, edited, and executive produced

by me, Lindsey Graham, for Airship. Audio editing by Christian Paraga. Sound design by Molly Bach. Music editing by Katrina Zemrack. Music by Lindsey Graham. This episode is written by Corey Metcalf, edited by Emma Cortland. Our senior producer is Gabe Riven. Executive producers are Stephanie Jens, Jenny Lauer-Veckman, and Marshall Louis for Wondery.