Aaron Hernandez

Here's how a Boston sports fan feels about this past week.

This may seem like a dark year for Boston sports teams, but really it is one of the better ones when you put it into perspective. The Patriots made the AFC Championship Game, the Bruins made the Stanley Cup Finals, the Celtics managed to grind their way into the playoffs despite losing their offensive catalyst, and the Red Sox seemed to have regained top form after basically taking a year off to find their identity. When people say this is the worst week ever for Boston sports because of the departure of Doc Rivers, Ray Allen winning a championship with the Heat, the implosion of the Bruins in the deciding Game 6 of the Finals, and the arrest of Aaron Hernandez, the reality is the Hernandez situation is the only real problem.

Doc Rivers has been on-again, off-again for the past few seasons in regards to his status as Celtics head coach. It just so happens that this week he decided to leave. Make no mistake, the Celtics are not a done team. They are rebuilding but they are retooling at the same time. They have great, young pieces in place with Rondo, Bradley, Green and Sullinger, and, for the moment, Pierce and Garnett are still on board. The departure of Doc saves the organization money when it's clear that the Heat and Bulls are a notch above. Doc's departure does not anger me: I'm grateful for all the wins he brought to the Celtics, including an NBA Championship in 2008 and an almost-championship in 2010. Good for Ray Allen for winning another ring, he helped the C's get one and owes Boston nothing. The Bruins were a preseason favorite to reach the Stanley Cup, and they did just that. They had an unfortunate turn of events in the final minutes of Game 6, but overall their season should be viewed as a success. Their defense was astonishing. I'm not upset at the way they lost; in the moment it was shocking, but it does not bother me because I understand it can happen. 

Contrary to these non-events, the Hernandez situation is an actual problem that people should be bothered by. I am legitimately depressed by it. He is charged with killing someone. The Patriots released him. The fact that he's a phenomenal, all-pro tight end and an important part of the team does play into how much I am affected by the situation, but out of everything that's "happened" this week, Hernandez's predicament is the only situation that bothers me. It is to be seen whether or not he is found guilty of first-degree murder, but he'll likely be found guilty of at least a few of the six charges he faces. He will likely never be a New England Patriot again, and it is to be seen if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell would allow him to continue his NFL career in a few years if he comes out not guilty of murder. I rooted for this man. I celebrated his triumphs and the things he did for my favorite football organization. I took pride in associating myself with him through this fandom. It's a shame that the alleged events occurred. It's a shame that someone lost their life and Hernandez was involved. It's a shame that someone lost their life. The reason why this whole thing is altering my mood so forcefully is unbeknownst to me, but it is my suspicion the source is the fact that someone I took pride in associating with as a fan could have committed the alleged crimes.

I am not sad in a way that I need a Kleenex. I am not stunned in a way where I am held speechless. I am depressed in a way that I feel something is wrong. At this time I don't know how long this feeling will last, but I hope it goes away soon.