Former NFL player Aaron Hernandez suffered from a severe case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Boston University researchers announced on Thursday.
An examination of Hernandez’s brain was conducted by Dr. Ann McKee of Boston University’s CTE Center, which researches the debilitation brain disease. McKee concluded that Hernandez suffered Stage 3 CTE, with Stage 4 being the most severe.
McKee’s conclusions were confirmed by a second doctor with extensive experience in CTE diagnosis. They also found that Hernandez had “early brain atrophy and large perforations in the septum pellucidum, a central membrane.”
The former New England Patriots tight end took his own life in April while serving a life sentence at Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts.
Hernandez had been convicted of murder in April 2015 for the June 2013 shooting death of Odin Lloyd, and was acquitted on charges of killing two people in a drive-by shooting just days before his death.
In May, Hernandez had his murder conviction overturned by a Massachusetts judge complying with a state law citing that defendants who die before their appeals are heard should have their convictions vacated.
How 13 Oddball Super Bowl Prop Bets Paid Off, From Lady Gaga to Donald Trump (Photos)
No sports drink was poured on the Patriots coach -- but other weird wagers fared better, according to betting site Bovada
What color will Lady Gaga's hair be when she comes on stage for the halftime show?
Blonde: 1/4 **WINNER
Any other color: 5/2
How long will it take for Luke Bryan to sing the national anthem?
Over/Under**: 2 minutes 9 seconds
Will the word "Lacrosse" be said on TV during live broadcast? (Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan played college lacrosse)
Yes: 1/3
No: 2/1 **WINNER
What color will the liquid be that is poured on the winning coach?
Clear: 3/1
Lime/Green: 3/1
Orange: 3/1
Yellow: 3/1
Red: 6/1
Blue: 15/2
Purple: 12/1
NO WINNER: None poured; bet voided
Which song will Lady Gaga play first during the halftime show?
Born this Way: 9/4
Bad Romance: 5/2
Edge of Glory: 6/1
Poker Face: 10/1
Just Dance: 10/1
Any Other Song: 11/10 **WINNER
What will Luke Bryan be wearing when he starts singing the national anthem?
Blue jeans: 1/2
Any other pants or shorts: 3/2 **WINNER
How many times will Gisele Bundchen be shown on TV during the broadcast? (Bundchen is married to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady)
Over 1½: +110 (11/10) **WINNER
Under 1½: -150 (2/3)
Will "Houston we have a problem" be said on TV during the broadcast?
Yes: 5/2
No: 1/4 **WINNER
How many times will Donald Trump's name be mentioned on TV during the broadcast?
Over/Under**: 1½
Will Luke Bryan forget or omit a word from the national anthem?
Yes: 4/1
No: 1/7 **WINNER
What will be higher on Super Bowl Sunday?
Tom Brady rushing yards: +150 (3/2) **WINNER
Donald Trump's interview with Bill O'Reilly in minutes: -200 (1/2)
How many times will "Matty Ice" be said on TV during the live broadcast? (The unofficial nickname of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan)
Over/Under **: 2
Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first?
God: 2/1
Team/Teammates: 2/1
Coach: 9/1 **WINNER
Family: 9/1
Owner: 9/1
Donald Trump: 20/1
Does not mention anyone above: 5/2
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No sports drink was poured on the Patriots coach — but other weird wagers fared better, according to betting site Bovada
No sports drink was poured on the Patriots coach -- but other weird wagers fared better, according to betting site Bovada
