Aaron Hernandez jerseys attract high prices after murder charge

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/02/aaron-hernandez-murder-patriots-jerseys-ebay

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The market for Aaron Hernandez football jerseys has surged since the former New England Patriot tight end was arrested last week on a murder charge. It is alleged that Hernandez shot a friend, execution-style, in an industrial park near his house.

A pre-owned "On Field" NFL jersey bearing Hernandez's old number, 81, was on offer on eBay on Tuesday for $2,000, while an autographed Hernandez No 81 jersey sold for $1,525 earlier this week, according to eBay's auction history. In April, a similar autographed shirt went for $159.

The Patriots cut Hernandez from the team within hours of his arrest and later offered to allow fans to exchange their official Hernandez jerseys for new Patriots jerseys of similar value. Hernandez has also been dropped by the sportswear company Puma.

Hernandez, 23, was arrested at his house in North Attleborough, Massachusetts on 26 June and charged in the shooting death of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd, who prosecutors say had angered Hernandez in a bar a few days before the alleged murder. Prosecutors said Hernandez shot Lloyd five times, including twice while he was lying on the ground. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty. It has also been reported that police are linking him to an unsolved double murder that occurred in Boston last year.<br /> <br />Other Hernandez paraphernalia is also attracting attention at auction. An autographed football, signed photograph, or player card will fetch about $500 on eBay. "This card is worth some serious money now," one seller said, of a 2012 Topps Inception Hernandez player card.

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