American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezmay focus on the story of its titular athlete, but it also features a fictionalized version of his older brother - Dennis “DJ” Hernandez. Played by Ean Castellanos in theAmerican Sports Storycast, DJ Hernandez played a big part in his brother’s formative years. AfterAaron turned down the opportunity to play with his older sibling at UConnin favor of a spot on the roster at the University of Florida, the dynamic between the two brothers becomes strained in the show.
DJ played five seasons at the collegiate level (viaUConn), transitioning to wide receiver for his final two years after starting at quarterback the previous three. He isn’t one of the manyNFL players inAmerican Sports Story, as the older Hernandez brother never made it to the professional level. After Aaron’s death,DJ Hernandez had his own views about why his brother took his own lifein prison as well as his criminal exploits. DJ’s life and relationship with the law remain tumultuous to this day.
Aaron’s Brother Has Made Several Threats To Various Organizations
Aaron Hernandez died by suicide in prison in 2017, almost two years to the day after he was sentenced for the murder of Odin Lloyd. Since then, his brother had gone on to have his own run-ins with the law for various - but similar - reasons. For instance, in 2023,DJ was arrested for threatening to shoot up Brown University and UConn(ViaTurn to 10) - the latter being the college for which he played.TMZalso reports he has driven recklessly, and also threw a brick at ESPN’s Bristol campus.
DJ Hernandez’s criminal issues after his brother’s death and subsequent coverage of the occurrence would seem to be related, but this is unconfirmed.
Prior to his arrest for threatening the act of violence at UConn,Stylecasterreports that Hernandez sent a message to a woman in his life that read, “I’ve died for years now and now it’s other people’s turn.” In addition,he also attached a note to the brick hurled at the ESPN buildingwhich read, “To all media outlets, It’s about time you all realize the [effect] media has on all family members.” DJ Hernandez’s criminal issues after his brother’s death and subsequent coverage of the occurrence would seem to be related, but this is unconfirmed.
What DJ Hernandez Has Said About Aaron & His Death
The Older Hernandez Brother Thinks Aaron’s CTE Contributed To The NFL Star’s Actions
As well as criticizing the media’s role in Aaron Hernandez’s case, DJ has also voiced other opinions. Many of these are included in his book, published after the death of his brother:The Truth About Aaron: My Journey to Understand My Brother. In the book,DJ mentions his brother’s CTE diagnosis, which was only discovered after Aaron’s death. An unfortunately common brain injury among football players, it’s caused by multiple blows to the head, which DJ claims was a relatively common occurrence even before football.
“Many years later, I’m left to wonder. Was this the first hit of many that affected my brother’s brain?”
Instances as seemingly innocent as playing with friends would often result in such an event for Aaron. According toBoston University, CTE (Chronic trauma encephalopathy) can result in symptoms such as"impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, suicidality,“and more. So, there could be some merit to DJ Hernandez’s theory. However,Aaron’s brother also pointed out that the death of their fathermay also have contributed to Aaron’s unpredictable personality, which led to his crimes and eventual death.
Where Is DJ Hernandez Now?
DJ Is Still Often In Trouble With The Law
According toBoston, DJ Hernandez’s post-college career took him into coaching.He had stints as a position coach at Brown and Iowabut was also appointed head coach at Ledyard High School in Connecticut after a brief break from football, where he spent a few years running a roofing business in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, his issues with the law in the wake of his brother’s death continue. While he hasn’t killed anyone, many of his arrests have been due to the threat of doing so, and most also seem connected with Aaron Hernandez’s suicide.
Was Cam Newton Kicked Out Of Florida For Stealing A Laptop? American Sports Story Fact Check
Cam Newton’s college dismissal is American Sports Story may only be a small part of the show’s narrative, but it’s important to know the truth.
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezfollows part of DJ Hernandez’s journey, but because the main character is his brother - whose story ends during his incarceration - the older Hernandez sibling’s criminal acts aren’t the show’s priority. That being said,Aaron’s fate appears to have triggered at least some of DJ’s crimesand, according toESPN, “deteriorating mental health.” BecauseAmerican Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezis now set so long ago, DJ’s current situation isn’t particularly relevant to the narrative.
DJ Hernandez Recently Pled Guilty To His Threat Charge
Hernandez Was Accused Of Threatening A School Shooting
Dennis John “DJ” Hernandez has pleaded guiltyto making interstate threats (viaThe Chronicle). It is unclear if Hernandez will get a prison sentence or another form of help. When he was arrested in July, he was yelling for the police officers to “shoot me” (viaCNN). Police ended up stunning him with a taser and then transferring him to a hospital, where he said that he was going to kill anyone who profited from his brother’s situation. Police said Hernandez previously asked a woman he knew to “map the schools out,” referring to Rhode Island’s Brown University and the University of Connecticut.
Hernandez, 38, waived his right to be indicted. According to United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery, Hernandez pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure. This means he faces up to five years in prison. He has been detained since his arrest in July 2023.DJ Hernandezpreviously posted threats on social media, saying his “enemies” will “pay up front.” When the police arrested him, they said he was “gravely disabled and a danger to society.”
Sources:UConn,Turn to 10,TMZ,Stylecaster,Boston University,Boston,ESPN
American Sports Story
Cast
American Sports Story is a TV show from Stu Zicherman and executive produced by Ryan Murphy. The series stars Josh Andrés Rivera as Aaron Hernandez and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow. The sports anthology series serves as the fourth installment in Murphy’s “American Story” franchise.
