A court will eventually decide whether former NFL player Aaron Hernandez was involved in someone’s murder. The case against him seems to be strong or just unsavory enough for the sports world to drop him, and do it fast. His former team, the New England Patriots, released him the same day police announced his arrest warrant in late June. Now, EA is cutting him from Madden and NCAA Football games.
While arguably not yet a star athlete, Hernandez was a productive player on the receiving corps of a prolific Patriots offense led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. After just three years in the NFL, Hernandez’s standout play earned him a $40 million contract from the Patriots and made him a staple on fantasy football rosters. There’s no doubt that he was a favorite target for anyone who had him on a Madden team.
According to Bleacher Report, the ruckus with his likeness still being in EA’s games started when a fan unlocked an achievement in NCAA Football 14. Hernandez isn’t playable in the game but a photo of him from his days as a Florida Gator is featured as an unlockable item. The fan tweeted the pic, setting EA in motion to quickly announce that Hernandez would be removed from NCAA Football 14 via a patch and assure everyone that he’s not playable in the upcoming Madden 25.
“We made a decision to remove Aaron Hernandez from Madden NFL 25 and NCAA Football 14. Because NCAA Football 14 was finalized prior to our decision, Hernandez’ image still appears in the Nike Skills Trainer. However, he is not in the game, and anyone who unlocks that particular Nike Skills Trainer reward will receive an Alex Smith Ultimate Team player item instead. The image of Hernandez will be removed via a Title Update in the near future,” EA said in a statement.
EA’s decision comes days after the Patriots held a free jersey swap for anyone who bought a Hernandez one at the team’s official Pro Shop in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
