Much like quarterback Tom Brady did Tuesday, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke for the first time on Wednesday regarding the murder charge against former-Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Belichick said it's time for "New England to move forward," and that the Patriots will "learn from this terrible experience," according to transcripts of the interview.
Hernandez, 23, pleaded not guilty after being arrested and charged with the June 17 murder of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd, 27, who was known as an acquaintance of Hernandez. Lloyd was found shot to death at an industrial park in close proximity to Hernandez's North Attleborough home, and Hernandez was arrested in connection to the murder on June 26.
The press conference for Belichick came at the same time that Hernandez was set to have a hearing for probable cause in the murder of Lloyd at the Bristol County Courthouse.
"We'll continue to evaluate the way that we do things, the way that we evaluate our players and we'll do it on a regular basis," Belichick said, according to the Washington Post. "I'm not perfect on that, but I always do what I think is best for the football team."
Belichick recalled feelings of "shock and disappointment" when he first found out about the murder. He also claimed responsibility for bringing players into the organization.
Patriots' owner Robert Kraft said he was "duped" by Hernandez and quarterback Tom Brady spoke yesterday on the topic and said he was "moving on." Though Brady is trying to move on, he and the five other Patriot captains are expected to speak on the matter on Thursday when training camp opens. The first practice for the Patriots is scheduled for Friday.
Belichick wouldn't say whether or not he spoke to Hernandez and refused to answer any legal questions during the press conference. Belichick is committed to focusing on the team and how it will deal with personnel in the future.
"Everyone is a case-by-case basis," Belichick said. "Whatever the circumstances are on any one individual, you'll have to make the decision based on an individual basis. With Aaron, we did what we felt was right for the football team."
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