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NFL teams could use police experts to inspect prospects tattoos for gang symbols

By Josh Sanchez

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Nov 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A look at New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) tattoos during the second half at Metlife Stadium. The Patriots won the game 49-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A look at New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) tattoos during the second half at Metlife Stadium. The Patriots won the game 49-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been in the news since being involved in the murder of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, but his tattoos have also taken some heat because of signs and symbols that may have tipped off gang affiliation. With NFL teams using this situation as a learning lesson, there is a growing possibility that they could use police experts to inspect the tattoos of prospects for gang ties.

That may sound a little too far and a lot like profiling, but the NFL is trying to clean up their image and this just may be one of the first steps.

From Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports:

It would be unfair for prospects to be judged solely on their tattoos, but it would open the eyes of potential teams that would be selecting them and could allow teams to get a deeper look in to the player’s past.

However, this is going to be a sticky situation.

Individual teams have done similar things in the past, but if the entire league begins to search prospects tattoos and profile at a much larger scale, it could end up being a bad look and cause more harm than god. After all, we are supposed to have equal opportunity employers.

What do you think about the league considering using police experts to inspect prospects tattoos? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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