1,200 Patriots fans trade in Aaron Hernandez jerseys at team store as franchise moves to cut all ties with former TE

Fans line up to exchange their New England Patriots Aaron Hernandez football jerseys at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, July 6, 2013. The Patriots are offering a new jersey to all fans who want to get rid of the one they bought with Hernandez's name on it.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Over 1,200 Patriots fans looking to turn in their Aaron Hernandez jerseys in exchange for another player's jersey lined up outside the Patriots ProShop in Foxborough Saturday.

Fans handed over their #81 jerseys and received a ticket for their new jersey. The long line of attendees picked up the jerseys of fan favorites that include Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Vince Wilfork.

The New England Patriots were quick to cut all ties with the 23-year-old tight end, releasing him shortly after his June 26 arrest on first degree murder and weapons charges in the death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd of Dorchester.

Two days later, the team went one step further, offering fans a free trade-in on their Hernandez jerseys.

"We know that children love wearing their Patriots jerseys, but may not understand why parents don't want them wearing their Hernandez jerseys anymore," said New England Patriots spokesperson Stacey James. "We hope this opportunity to exchange those jerseys at the Patriots ProShop for another player's jersey will be well received by parents."

Solusi Sehat