Aaron Hernandez’s Family Drops CTE Suit Against NFL – For Now

The family of Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots tight end who killed himself by hanging in his jail cell in April, has dropped its lawsuit against the NFL for the time being.

Aaron Hernandez CTE Suit News

According to the New York Times, Hernandez’s family has dismissed the case against the league “without prejudice,” which means they can refile it.

Last month, researchers at Boston University discovered that the autopsy of Hernandez — who died at age 27 — revealed he had been suffering from degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a form of brain trauma linked to repeated blows to the head.

Hernandez had stage 3 out of 4 of the disease, a shocking find as a level that severe of CTE is typically found in players in their 60s.

The Times also reported that “A lawyer for the Hernandez family told reporters that he intended to refile the case in Suffolk County Superior Court in Massachusetts, next week, and that state court would be a better venue for his case because it allowed more claims to be filed there than in federal court.”

The former Patriots star was serving a life sentence for the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd, a friend of his, and was also investigated for his connection to a double homicide in Boston in 2012. However, he was acquitted in the latter case. Following his death, his conviction was vacated because his appeals of the conviction had not been exhausted when he passed.

Per several reports, retired players are eligible to receive up to $5 million each if they exhibit severe neurological conditions.

Hernandez, a former University of Florida star, played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2012.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA – AUGUST 22: Aaron Hernandez is escorted into the courtroom of the Attleboro District Court for his hearing on August 22, 2013 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the death of Odin Lloyd. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)