Patriots’ Alfonzo Dennard arrested in Nebraska

Patriots defensive back Alfonzo Dennard was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in Nebraska early Thursday morning, Lincoln police confirmed.

According to a police report, Dennard was stopped just before 2 a.m. on Normal Boulevard after a Lincoln police sergeant observed a red Honda Accord straddling lane lines. The report says Dennard “emitted an odor of alcohol and displayed signs of impairment.”

After field sobriety tests were performed at the scene, he was taken to Cornhusker Place, a substance abuse treatment facility, for a breath test, but the report says he “would not provide an adequate breath sample for testing.”

Dennard was cited for DUI, refusal of a chemical test, and straddling lane lines, and then released. He has a court date of Aug. 12.

from boston.com

Aaron Hernandez grand jury hearing!

Aaron Hernandez grand jury to hear from alleged shooting victim - A Connecticut man who says he lost an eye after being shot by Aaron Hernandez in February was ordered Friday to appear before a grand jury in Massachusetts that is considering the murder case against the former New England Patriots tight end.

Hernandez has been charged with murder in district court in Massachusetts, but a grand jury indictment or probable cause hearing would be necessary for him to face trial on felony charges. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty.

from boston.com

The HUB-bub! (7-6-13)

Bruins ink Jarome Iginla - Jarome Iginla, the forward who spurned the Bruins at the trade deadline, signed with Boston for a one-year, $6 million contract.

Sox open with win - David Ortiz smacked a pinch-hit two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Red Sox opened their West Coast trip with a win at Anaheim.

Celtics introduce Brad Stevens as coach - The Celtics opened a new era on Friday when they introduced Brad Stevens as the 17th head coach in franchise history.

Shane Vereen lined up at WR in Patriots spring practice - Giovani Bernard isn't the only running back dabbling as a wide receiver this offseason. Shane Vereen, of the New England Patriots, also lined up wide at times during spring practice, according to the team's official website.

from boston.com

Patriots are a class act!

The Patriots have announced a free exchange of any Aaron Hernandez jersey on July 6-7.

Any Hernandez jersey that was purchased at the Patriots ProShop or through PatriotsProShop.com can be exchanged for a different player's jersey of comparable value at no additional charge.

"We know that children love wearing their Patriots jerseys but may not understand why parents don't want them wearing their Hernandez jerseys anymore," team spokesman Stacey James said in a statement. "We hope this opportunity to exchange those jerseys at the Patriots ProShop will be well received by parents."

from boston.com

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Paul Pierce never expected to land in Boston when he was selected on that night in 1998. Now, he leaves the franchise as its second-leading scorer with 24,021 points – 2,374 behind John Havlicek – he ranks second in games played at 1,102, and he’s also first in both 3-point field goals made (1,823) and steals (1,583), and fourth in assists (4,305). For the first time, he’ll also wear another uniform. It’s a gut-punch to the nostalgic but a necessary evil for the future.

Eventually, Pierce will return to Boston to retire, though the act will feature nothing more than a signature on a piece of paper. Maybe Garnett will do the same. Either way, they will both ultimately raise their numbers to the rafters as two of the best to ever don the Celtic green, and they'll be sorely missed.

from boston.com

The HUB-bub! (6/28/13)

3rd man sought in slaying of associate of former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez - Authorities are searching for a third suspect in connection to the slaying of 27-year-old Odin L. Lloyd, calling Ernest Wallace, 41, “armed and dangerous.”

Kevin Garnett waives no-trade clause, headed to Nets with Paul Pierce - An NBA source confirmed that Kevin Garnett has waived his no-trade clause, clearing the way for a blockbuster trade that would send Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets for Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Keith Bogans, and three first-round picks. This deal officially marks the end of the Big Three Era and the beginning of the Celtics rebuilding plan as the organization parts ways with two of the most popular players in team history.

Celtics take Olynyk - The Celtics moved up to the 13th pick to nab Gonzaga forward Kelly Olynyk in a trade with the Mavericks.

Lester pitches Sox to win - Jon Lester went seven-plus innings, giving up four runs on five hits, using his cutter and his changeup to ring up five strikeouts in the win.

from boston.com

Officials: Hernandez probed in 2 more murder cases

FALL RIVER — Police on Wednesday found .45-caliber bullets in a condo rented by former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez and in a car linked to him, the same caliber ammunition Hernandez allegedly used to shoot and kill Odin L. Lloyd in a North Attleborough industrial park on June 17, a prosecutor said today.

Officials: Hernandez probed in 2 more murder cases - 2012 double homicide under investigation Aaron Hernandez is being investigated in connection with murders on Shawmut Avenue in Boston, according to two law enforcement officials.

Shirts for Sale...

Former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is probed in two more murders

Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, already facing charges in a murder last week in North Attleborough, is also being investigated in connection with a July 2012 double murder in Boston, according to two law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation.

Investigators believe a fight broke out at Cure, a club in the South End, between two men and a group that included Hernandez.

The two men, Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado, friends who grew up in Cape Verde, left the club with three other men in a BMW sedan in the early morning hours of July 16, 2012.

Abreu, who was driving, stopped at a traffic light on Shawmut Avenue, about to make a left onto Herald Street, when a silver or gray SUV with Rhode Island license plates pulled alongside the sedan. Someone from the SUV opened fire, killing Abreu, 29, and Furtado, 28.

The men who were with them survived the attack and the killings were left unsolved.

from boston.com

Aaron Hernandez charged with murder in Odin Lloyd death

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was charged with murder in the death of Odin Lloyd and five gun charges during his arraignment in Attleboro District Court on Wednesday, capping a dizzying series of events.

The murder charge was announced came at 2:44 pm ET, roughly six hours after Hernandez was taken from his North Attleboro, Mass., home in handcuffs after being arrested by the Massachusetts State Police and North Attleboro Police. The Patriots released the fourth-year Pro Bowl tight end less than 90 minutes after he was taken by police.

from nfl.com

Patriots left holding the bag?

Aaron Hernandez has already pocketed approximately $10.15 million from a seven-year, $40 million contract he signed before the 2012 season: $9.25 million in signing bonus money ($6 million up front, and a $3.25 million payment on March 31), $540,000 in base salary from last season and $400,000 in roster and workout bonuses over the last two offseasons. He has another $3.25 million signing bonus payment due on March 31, 2014, but it is unclear at this time whether the Patriots will be able to avoid paying it.

It is also unclear as of now whether the Patriots will be able to recoup some or all of the signing bonus money already paid to Hernandez, whether it can avoid paying him $2.5 million in guaranteed base salary due in 2013 and 2014 and if they can get salary cap relief in the future.

In addition to the $4.073 million against the salary cap in 2013, Hernandez could cost as much as $9 million against the cap in 2014.

from boston.com

You could see this one coming a mile away!

Aaron Hernandez arrested in murder probe; cut by New England Patriots!

“A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation,’’ the Patriots said in the statement.

The unsigned statement explained the team’s decision to terminate Hernandez as a member of the professional football team.

“We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process,’’ the statement said. “At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do.”

from boston.com

TE Aaron Hernandez's lawyer issues statement

The attorney for New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez, Michael Fee, issued a statement regarding the investigation of a homicide involving his client: "Over the past week, our client, Aaron Hernandez, has been the subject of a relentless flood of rumors, misinformation and false reports in the media," the statement said. "These include the repeated publication of a supposedly confirmed report that an arrest warrant had been issued for Aaron, a report that was exposed as untrue. None of these false reports come from official sources and we appreciate the professionalism and restraint shown by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office to date with regard to its public statements while its investigation is underway. Out of respect for that ongoing investigation, we will continue to refrain from commenting on its substance."

from USA TODAY Sports

The HUB-bub! (6-26-13)

Sox pound out win - On the day the Red Sox demoted Will Middlebrooks, new third baseman Jose Iglesias was 3 for 5 with a double and one RBI as the Red Sox belted 20 hits the 11-4 win over Colorado.

Danny Ainge addresses Doc Rivers's departure - Celtics general manager Danny Ainge officially announced the departure of his coach of nine years Tuesday, reflecting on the tenure of Doc Rivers and answering questions about the future of the franchise.

from boston.com

Toronto Sun pretty pleased with Stanley Cup outcome

The Toronto Sun's front page this morning very likely sums up a popular sentiment in Toronto.

Bruins late lead melts away!

So close...and just like that it was over. The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup after scoring two goals in a matter of seconds late in the third period.

Sitting on a one-goal lead with a chance to force a Game 7, the Bruins allowed Chicago to score the game's tying and winning goals 17 seconds apart late in the third period of Game 6 Monday night, the dramatic turn ending the Stanley Cup Final in six games and Boston's season in heartbreaking fashion. A stunned crowd watched the Blackhawks accept the Stanley Cup on TD Garden ice.

from boston.com

The HUB-bub! (6/24/13)

Sox upset with call in loss - A controversial call led to John Farrell's ejection as the Sox dropped 3 of 4 games in Detroit.

Cleveland Cavaliers interested in acquiring Paul Pierce - The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in the possibility of acquiring Celtics forward Paul Pierce, a league source confirmed to the Globe Monday.

Clippers reach deal to hire Celtics coach Doc Rivers - Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed in principle to a deal that would make Rivers the new Clippers' coach, league sources told the Globe Sunday.

Count Bergy in tonight - Bruins coach Claude Julien said he's "confident" injured center Patrice Bergeron will play in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight.

The HUB-bub! (6-20-13)

Blackhawks even series with overtime win in wild Game 4: A frantic,high-scoring game proved to be to Chicago's advantage in Game 4 Wednesday night as the Blackhawks defeated the Bruins, 6-5 in overtime, to even the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece.

Red Sox can't keep up: The Sox couldn't keep up with the Rays after sweeping them in a doubleheader on Tuesday.

League office concerned proposed Clippers, Celtics deal violates rules: Though there are still hurdles to be cleared before the potential blockbuster deal between the Clippers and Celtics is complete, the proposed package is, at the moment, awaiting the approval of the Clippers' mercurial owner Donald Sterling.

from Boston.com

The HUB-bub! (6-19-13)

Sox sweep doubleheader - Jonny Gomes hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to complete a doubleheader sweep. (Red Sox 3 Rays 1, Red Sox 5 Rays 1 (three hour rain delay))

Bruins sitting pretty - No one's saying the Stanley Cup Finals are over, but you do have to admit there's a lot to like about how the Bruins have played it so far. Game four tonight at 8 pm.

from Boston.com

Patriot TE Aaron Hernandez reportedly questioned in relation to North Attleboro homicide

From Boston.com: Massachusetts State police are questioning Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez in relation to a homicide near Hernandez’s home in North Attleboro.

According to Sports Illustrated, Hernandez is not currently a suspect after the body of a 27-year-old man was found Monday afternoon in an industrial park near Hernandez’s home, but a car rented in Hernandez’s name has emerged as a key piece of evidence.

According to ABC News, the victim is an associate of Hernandez, who has not been cooperative thus far with police. Police are reportedly are seeking a warrant to search his house.

The HUB-bub! (6-18-13)

Rivers, Garnett deal to LA is dead - The deal stalled because the LA Clippers didn't want to give up a second first-round draft pick for Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett, a league source said.

Momentum on Bruins' side - Momentum is certainly on the Bruins' side after a convincing performance in Game 3 shut down the Blackhawks and put Boston two wins from its second Stanley Cup in three years.

The HUB-bub! (6-17-13)

Gronkowski back surgery set for Tuesday - The tight end will undergo surgery in California.

Sox fall to Orioles - The Orioles took three of four games from the first-place Sox as their series concluded Sunday.

They'll rest in the offseason - After two games and 10 periods of action, the Bruins aren't worried about fatigue as they return to TD Garden for Game 3 tonight.

Celtics focus has moved to completing blockbuster Clippers deal - Though Doc Rivers is under contract for the next three seasons to coach the Boston Celtics, the team's focus has shifted, at the moment, from retaining Rivers to completing a deal in which he and Kevin Garnett would go to the Clippers.

THE HUB-bub! (6/14/13)

Orioles outlast Sox - Chris Davis drove in the winning run with a bloop single to left field as the Orioles beat the Sox, 5-4, in 13 innings in a game that lasted 4 hours, 35 minutes.

B's hoping Nathan Horton heals up - The Boston Bruins won the 2011 Stanley Cup with top-line forward Nathan Horton watching from press level due to a season-ending concussion he suffered in Game 3 against the Vancouver Canucks. The Bruins are hoping that's not the case again this spring. Horton suffered an upper-body injury during the first overtime period of the Bruins' 4-3 triple-overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Cup finals Wednesday night at United Center.

THE HUB-bub! (6/13/13)

Bruins fall in heartbreaking fashion - There are heartbreakers. There are crushing defeats. And then there's the Bruins 4-3 triple overtime loss to the Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals. Extremely disappointed...The Bruins took a 3-1 lead at 6:09 of the third period and yet couldn't hold on!

Red Sox edge Rays - Alfredo Aceves threw six solid innings, Daniel Nava homered and the AL East-leading Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Tebow Media Circus meets the NE Patriots!

The Patriots couldn't keep Tim Tebow completely off limits to the media after Tuesday's minicamp practice, but did the best they could to shut down the Tebow Media Circus. After working with coaches for about 10 minutes after practice, Tebow greeted a throng of at least 50 media members with a statement about joining the Patriots. He even showed a little humility and humor in his answer, mentioning that his teams haven't had much success against the Patriots in his first three NFL seasons, but he did not answer any questions. "I'll speak loudly. Relax, guys," he said to the reporters as they jostled for position. "First and foremost I just want to thank the Patriots for giving me an opportunity. I'm very thankful. It's such an honor to be a Patriot and play for coach (Bill) Belichick and coach (Josh) McDaniels and learn under Tom (Brady) and be part of this great franchise and a part of a very successful franchise. I found that out first-hand, lost to them several times, so it's going to be a lot of fun." "I'm looking forward to working hard every single day and getting a lot better and learning under some great people. That's all I got. Thank you all so much and God bless. I'm sure we'll be talking more soon."

Brady and Tebow!

Who's your daddy?

Tebowmania comes to New England!

IT'S OFFICIAL: The Patriots have signed Tim Tebow! The quarterback is expected to join the team at its minicamp Tuesday. Tebow was released by the New York Jets in April after they drafted quarterback Geno Smith. Tebow played one season in New York after two in Denver.