The lull between the close of mini camp and the start of training camp is the NFL's slow season, but news Thursday was dominated by Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots. The tight end continues to be embroiled in issues relating to two shootings. Here is your roundup of the biggest news from Thursday in the NFL.
NFL news roundup: Aaron Hernandez faces lawsuit, Broncos offensive line banged up
With training camps opening in over a month, news was dominated by Aaron Hernandez.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Investigators returned to Hernandez’s home Thursday after obtaining a second search warrant. Reports early in the week made Hernandez a ‘person of interest’, but snowballed as the week went on -- culminating with a second search. Reports indicated that the tight end destroyed his cell phone, and security system, while having a cleaning crew visit his house shortly after his initial interviews with police.
The investigation surrounds the death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, whose body was found close to Hernandez’s home on Monday. A rental car initially linked the Patriots’ player to Lloyd, which didn’t make any clear links -- but Massachusetts State Police continue to investigate after a report emerged Wednesday that Hernandez was with the victim prior to his death.
While police worked with him in in Massachusetts, a report emerged from Miami, Florida that a lawsuit was pending regarding a shooting from February. The plaintiff alleges that Hernandez shot him in the face following an altercation, and despite no criminal charges being pursued, the alleged victim is seeking $100,000 in damages.
The shooting resulted in Bradley losing his right eye and undergoing multiple facial reconstruction surgeries. Jaroslawicz refiled the lawsuit after it was originally dismissed in Februrary due to erroneous paperwork, according to TMZ.
The Denver Broncos have suffered from a dearth of talent on their offensive line, and now their depth is being tested further prior to the team's training camp. Reports out of Denver reveal that starting center J.D. Walton will miss a significant portion of the season following ankle surgery, and the team will turn to newly signed Dan Koppen to fill the void once again.
Ryan Clady remains one of the league's best offensive tackles, but the interior offensive line is shaky. The team were hoping Walton could add stability next to Louis Vasquez, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent from San Diego. Now the team will once again lean on patchwork solutions.
2009 was the last time the Houston Astrodome was used for events following the construction of Reliant Stadium, but Harris County officials want to preserve the dome, and return it to its former glory. The move was spurred by the NFL awarding Houston the 2017 Super Bowl, prompting city officials to push for a $187 million renovation.
“We have a chance to honor the dome’s legacy and do it in a functional manner that continues to preserve the memories and history of the building while inspiring the future,” said Kevin Hoffman, the sports corporation’s deputy executive director.
The former Packers' linebacker has a decision to make between one of the NFC's best teams, and one of the AFC's worst. Bishop has visited both teams, but remained unsigned on Thursday.
The source in Garafolo's report states that Bishop, even though the Jacksonville Jaguars were thought to be interested in the six-year veteran, will probably choose between only the Vikings and Chiefs.
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