Photographs of Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey wearing ballcaps that say "Free Hernandez" began circulating on the Internet on Sunday. The photos, seen in multiple angles, do not appear to be digitally altered.
The Pouncey brothers, who are twins, played with former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez at the University of Florida. They were with Hernandez at the Venue nightclub in 2007 on the night of a shooting that left two men wounded. Hernandez was briefly questioned by police after the shooting, but at the time they did not see him as a suspect.
The Steelers are not commenting on the photos, but according to a source they plan to talk to Maurkice Pouncey about the photos. A source close to Mike Pouncey expects the Dolphins to have a similar talk with the team's starting center.
Hernandez is charged with the execution-style murder of 27-year-old semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd and is being held without bail. He has pleaded not guilty. The Patriots released the tight end last month after he was arrested.