Patriots Player Aaron Hernandez Arrested

Ex-New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and taken out of his house in handcuffs shortly before 9 a.m.yesterday.

Hernandez has been at the center of the murder investigation into the death of 27-year-old semi-pro player Odin Lloyd.

Lloyd's bullet-ridden body was found less than a mile from Hernandez's house.

My Fox Boston reported that Hernandez was with Lloyd and two other friends on the night of the murder. Lloyd had been dating Hernandez's girlfriend's sister, USA Today reports.

Hernandez's house was searched multiple times. According to ABC, Hernandez's home security system was destroyed before police could look into it, and he handed in a smashed cell phone to the police.

The Patriots cut Hernandez less than two hours after the arrest was made. In a statement, the team said:

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