Back in April, Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell after committing suicide. He was serving a life-sentence for murder without the possibility for parole.
Five months later, he was tested by researchers and and was found to have a sever case of degenerative brain disease CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). The director of the CTE Center at Boston University, Dr. Ann McKee, found Hernandez to have stage 3 of 4 of the disease, which has been the cause of cognitive disorders, violent mood swings and depression.
Doctors said its unusual for someone of his age (27 years old) to have CTE.
The disease has only been found through autopsy and is a big concern for the NFL and former players, and Hernandez’s attorney is pursuing a full lawsuit against the league.
Whether or not CTE contributed to his suicide or murder will never be determined, but at the least, it should raise questions to players in the league about the dangers of the sport and the consequences of playing it for the long-term.