Aaron Hernandez Arraignment Spurs Jersey Sales Increase on eBay.
The NFL is no longer manufacturing Aaron Hernandez's New England Patriots jersey, and the league has even offered fans who own his jersey an opportunity to exchange it for another player's for free, but that hasn't stopped some fans from seeking out the jersey on eBay, according to the Boston Globe.
Sellers offering Hernandez's jersey have actually garnered a profit, since he was charged with the alleged murder of his one-time associate Odin Lloyd.
Those offering Hernandez's jersey are surprised by the demand for the former Patriots' gear, but it's a pleasant surprise because many are able to sell the merchandise at store prices or even higher. John Lamothe told the Boston Globe he was able to get $289 for a jersey he put on eBay last week. In comparison, Hernadez's one-time teammate and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski's most expensive jersey is going for $249.95 on the NFL's online store.
"I thought about giving it to Goodwill, but I didn't think anybody would want it," Lamothe said. "I thought I might get $15 for it."
Another eBay merchant, Lynn L'Heureux, has drawn offers as high $127 for a Hernandez jersey that originally cost $100.
"I can't think of any reason why people would want it," L'Heureux said. "They might think it will go up in value later on, and maybe it will, but I'm not interested. I just don't want it in my possession. I want to use the money to buy a jersey that reflects my pride in the Patriots."
The popularity of Hernandez's jersey isn't an anomaly. There are 49 O.J. Simpson jerseys for sale on eBay, some of which are listed at prices as high as $473. However, the dynamics of Hernandez's and Simpson's favorability with jersey buyers are different. Simpson has long been retired after having an illustrious career and his jersey is a bonifide collector's item, despite popular consensus that he's guilty of the murder of his one-time wife Nicole Brown Simpson, though O.J. was exonerated of all charges in court. Hernandez, on the other hand, doesn't have the celebrated NFL career O.J. did, thought he might of if his career wasn't derailed by his murder arraignment.