Maurkice Pouncey Apologizes For ‘Free Hernandez’ Hat
By Josh Sanchez
Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey caused quite a stir over the weekend with his choice of headgear. Pouncey, along with his brother, Mike, were spotted out in a nightclub rocking hats that read “Free Hernandez.” The hats were to show support for their former college teammate Aaron Hernandez, who is currently behind bars waiting for sentencing on his first-degree murder charges.
It was reported that the Steelers were unhappy with the photo when it surfaced and that they were planning on speaking with Pouncey, and it appears that they have reached their Pro Bowl center.
Today, Pouncey issued an apology on Twitter.
“I fully recognize the seriousness of the situation involving my former teammate, and I regret that my actions appear to make light of that serious situation,” Maurkice Pouncey wrote. ”I apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions.”
Pouncey’s brother, who plays for the Miami Dolphins, has yet to issue an apology.
The Steelers being unhappy with Pouncey’s public display of support for a man who is facing murder charges likely had a lot to do with the apology. Regardless, it was something that Pouncey needed to do.