Rumors continue to pile up about ex-Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez as he awaits trial on charges that he orchestrated the murder of associate Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old semipro football player.
Among these rumors are whispers of multiple failed drug tests in college by Hernandez that were allegedly covered up by the university. Hernandez's coach at the time, Urban Meyer, who is now the head coach at Ohio State University, vehemently denied any cover up in a statement sent to The Gainesville Sun.
"I just received an email from a friend where there is an accusation of multiple failed drug tests covered up by the Univ. of Florida or the coaching staff. This is absolutely not true. Hernandez was held to the same drug testing policy as every other player.
"He was an athlete at Florida 4-to-7 years ago and there are some comments being made that are not correct. Our staff, myself and our families worked very hard to mentor and guide him. Prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. Relating or blaming these serious charges to Univ. of Florida, myself or our staff is wrong and irresponsible."
The Boston Globe reported that Hernandez failed between four and six drug tests as a Gator, while Meyer has gone on record as saying the tight end failed one, for which he was suspended for a game against Hawaii.
Sports Illustrated reported that Hernandez admitted to failing multiple tests in college to NFL executives, but Florida officials have refuted that report and called it inaccurate.
Meyer has been involved in another of Hernandez's alleged misdeeds. In 2007 Hernandez was questioned about a shooting after he partied at a nightclub. A witness to the shooting had identified Hernandez and then-Gators wide receiver Reggie Nelson before later recanting his statement.
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