The University of Florida has decided to remove Aaron Hernandez's All-American brick from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, joining the New England Patriots in attempting to disassociate themselves from the former star tight end.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is filled with bricks to celebrate the Gators' long list of All-Americans. After Hernandez was arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd in June, the Patriots offered to buy back every Aaron Hernandez No. 81 jersey. On Thursday, the school decided to remove his brick from the stadium. The University Athletic Association, Florida's association that oversees all athletics, released a statement on the matter.
"We didn't feel it was appropriate to celebrate Aaron Hernandez," the statement read. "We put together an immediate plan after the initial news broke to remove his likeness and name in various private and public areas in the facility, such as the South Endzone team area, locker room, football offices, Heavener Complex Kornblau Lobby and the brick display entrance to the football facility.
"We are able to implement some of the changes immediately and this (brick removal) was a more complex process to complete with our vendors.
"The plan was to have everything completed before the end of July."
Check out a photo of the process below, courtesy of professor Ted Spiker.
Aaron Hernandez All-American brick coming down. pic.twitter.com/gCflaDAXjS
— Ted Spiker (@ProfSpiker) July 25, 2013
Photo Credit on splash photo: Julie Quittner/@JQuittner
