Murder charges have been brought against Aaron Hernandez along with multiple weapons offenses in connection with the death of his associate Odin Lloyd.

The New England Patriot tight end, who was arrested at his Attleboro, Mass. home early Wednesday, pleaded not guility to the charges at the Attleboro District Court.

In somewhat of a surprising move, the New England Patriots released what was once a key part of their roster just two hours after the NFL tight end was arrested at his home. The Patriots announced via Twitter that Hernandez would no longer fill a spot on their roster. The team also released an official statement:

"A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do."

Hernandez was once a valuable piece to the Patriots offense. While NFL teams can be accepting of legal infractions committed by players with top-notch talent, the Patriots have scoffed at the double standard.

Police served the New England Patriots tight end with a search warrant on June 20 and investigated his North Attleboro, Mass. home. Police returned to his home again Wednesday after they discovered a surveillance camera at the house was intentionally destroyed and cleaners were hired on Monday to scrub the premises. To add to the suspicion, Hernandez' cellphone was allegedly smashed to pieces when his lawyer presented it to the police.

Lloyd's family claimed he and Hernandez were acquaintances, and Lloyd's girlfriend and Hernandez's fiancée are sisters.

Police said Lloyd was suffered multiple gunshots to his back and chest. Hernandez was allegedly upset with Lloyd after the two had a dispute at a nightclub a few days before.