Sheriff: Aaron Hernandez Separated From Fellow Inmates At All Times

There's been talk of whether or not former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez would be able to watch his old team play the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game from jail, but the more interesting story is how he's handled differently than other inmates for precautionary reasons.

According to Ian Rapoport, Hernandez won't have a TV at the Bristol County House of Correction, but will be able to listen to the game on the radio. While there's no special treatment in that regard, Hernandez still isn't any ordinary inmate, and because of his NFL fame, Sheriff Thomas Hodgson keeps Hernandez separated from other inmates for safety reasons.

''My job is care and custody. First and foremost, we have to be concerned about the safety of the inmate and the officers,'' Hodgson said. ''I can't put this guy in a vulnerable situation where there are people who would like to prove they're more important'' by hurting Hernandez.

Hodgson said the decision to keep Hernandez separate was made when the former NFL star first arrived at the prison. He is only allowed outside of his cell three hours a day, and never at the same time as other inmates.

''I've spoken to him about it, and he understands it,'' Hodgson said. ''I'm not going to tell you that he enjoys it all the time.''

Hernandez actually requested a TV, but Hodgson couldn't give it to him because it would be seen as special treatment to other inmates. So, Hernandez is treated like a more troublesome inmate, but only so that danger doesn't affect him while he awaits trial.

[ Boston.com]