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Aaron Hernandez Responds to Question About Chad Ochocinco’s Jersey Number

FOXBORO, Mass. — When your jersey number is your newest teammate’s last name, well, you’re about to find a new meaning for the word “leverage.”

Second-year tight end Aaron Hernandez could hold his jersey hostage until receiving appropriate compensation from new Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who changed his last name to match the only number he’s ever worn in the NFL.

Hernandez didn’t fully participate in Friday morning’s walkthrough, but he was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt with the No. 85 emblazoned on them. Ochocinco didn’t participate, but he was observing the session in Patriots gear without a number.

When Hernandez walked off the field after practice, he said he couldn’t speak with the media, presumably because he’s still recovering from an injury. I asked him about his jersey situation, and he just laughed, shrugged his shoulders and walked away.

Let the negotiations begin.

Update, 2:31 p.m.: Hernandez’s shorts in the afternoon session have the No. 81, while Ochocinco is wearing the No. 85 on his shirt.