If it had been any one of us we would be in jail and prosecuted for assault, assault with criminal intent or to do bodily harm, attempted manslaughter etc. Jail time fines, counciling etc. The fact the Patriots have tried to erase Hernandez from their history is nothing short of cutting the rope of a guy below you climbing a mountain. Yeah it looks bad but he isn't proven guilty or anything yet. Snoop Dog was charged with murder got off, look at Ray Lewis as well. They could have put him on a inactive list until this played out. Guilty or not of all teams trying to distance themselves from what is considered a bad influence of the team it's the Patriots with Mr Cheat himself as coach.
I understand what they are doing and all, but it's still a very cold thing to do. If Hernandez is found not guilty for what ever reason does he have have the right now to sue Kraft the NFL, and everyone for damages? I hope so.