‘American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez’ Review: Ryan Murphy’s Risky FX Series Explores Sexuality and Head Injuries

Josh Rivera stars as the troubled real-life sports figure destined to become the poster child for concussions and unspeakable crime

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Josh Andrés Rivera in "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez." (FX)

“Kid’s going to end up in the Hall of Fame. Or prison.”

In 2013, New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested for the murder of his fiance’s sister’s boyfriend, Odin Lloyd. Not the only major crime he was accused of committing, Hernandez was eventually convicted and died in prison of an apparent suicide. A 27-year-old who felt he had run out of excuses and options, Hernandez’s health prior to his death has been plagued with notions he suffered from paranoia, sexual identity issues and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

A lot happens in the first episode of the new anthology series “American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez,” which was born from the mind of Ryan Murphy and his frequent team of writers and directors, including Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force.

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