NFLPA files grievance to get Aaron Hernandez his bonus money
By Josh Sanchez
Aaron Hernandez worked out with the New England Patriots before he landed behind bars for his connection to the murder of Odin Lloyd. Now, Hernandez has been indicted on the first-degree murder charges.
New England released Hernandez on the day he was arrested on the charges, but the NFL Players Association has filed a grievance and is attempting to recover the $82,000 in offseason workout bonuses that Hernandez is owed.
“On behalf of all players, it is our responsibility to protect the rights in the collective bargaining agreement. We are not tone-deaf to what the allegations are in this case, but for the benefit of all players, there are important precedents here we must protect,” the NFLPA said in the statement that was released on Monday.
While it may not be the popular opinion, the NFLPA is doing what they are obligated to do and Hernandez earned the bonus money by showing up for workouts from April to June. Sure, he deserved to be released after the alleged murder, but he also deserves his bonus.
The NFLPA could be filing another grievance next year when Hernandez was due to earn $3.25 million in deferred signing bonus.