Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is not allowed to watch the NFL playoffs while he remains jailed at the Bristol County House of Corrections.
"He's not allowed to watch any TV," Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson told the Boston Herald of Hernandez, who, for security reasons, is being held in a segregated wing of the prison.
A year ago Sunday, Hernandez snared six Tom Brady passes for 85 yards to help lead the Patriots to the AFC Championship game, but this year the once-rising star was idly relegated to the prison cell he now spends 21 hours a day locked away in, awaiting trial on first-degree murder charges in the execution-style killing of one-time associate Odin Lloyd.
"It's jail," Hodgson told The Herald. "It's all about standards and sending a message."We only allow two hours a day of entertainment television. The rest of it has to be self-help tapes, self-help documentaries."
Hodgson told The Herald the 24-year-old Hernandez has previously inquired about being able to watch some form of TV, but each time his request was denied. "That, of course, is no," said Hodgson, adding that Hernandez is in no way allowed to regularly mingle with other inmates due to his high-profile status.
Hernandez had a $40 million contract with the Patriots when he was charged with the June 17 murder of Lloyd, a semi-pro football pal. He has pleaded not guilty and is hoping to go to trial sometime this year.
Hodgson told The Herald during the three hours per day Hernandez is allowed to leave his cell he is placed in an outdoor 12-foot by 8-foot enclosure with nothing but his own company.
"There's no equipment," said Hodgson. "It's basically just a pen. He can do pushups, situps," he said confirming Hernandez is staying in shape.
"He's fine. For the most part, he's cooperative."
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