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Hernandez goes from Patriots to star to ‘punk,’ ‘bum’ in prison

Aaron Hernandez's jail cell is a far cry from his spacious home in North Attleboro.

Aaron Hernandez’s jail cell is a far cry from his spacious home in North Attleboro. (NY Post)

No. 81 for the Patriots has become No. 174594 at the Bristol County House of Correction in Massachusetts. Aaron Hernandez has gone from an NFL star to just another inmate.

Currently imprisoned after being arrested for murder, Hernandez is adjusting to life in a 7-foot-by-10-foot cell –where he spends 21 hours a day in solitary confinement– having come from a 7,100 square foot mansion, worth $1.6 million.

The 23-year-old’s former status as a star isn’t envied by fellow inmates, it’s the reason he must be separated from the general population.

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“We have to be very careful,” Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson told the Boston Globe, adding that inmates could attack Hernandez “to raise their stature.”

Inmates who talked to the newspaper called him a “punk” and a “bum.”

“I don’t care about him,’’ said another inmate. “I’m worried about myself.”

After most of his life revolved around athletics, Hernandez is now only allowed one hour of exercise a day in a fenced area with a guard watching him at all times.

His cell, which is smaller than the bathrooms in his former residence, contains a bed which is too small to hold his 6-foot-1 frame. All the cell contains is a metal bed with thin mattress, a pillow and a blanket, a combined toilet and sink with a seat and a small metal desk with a stool attached to it.

“This is not the Ritz,” said Hodgson.

Hernandez begins his day at 6 a.m., getting one egg and a portion of grits for breakfast. By 8 a.m., his cell must be clean and his bed must remain made all day.

He is allowed to have up to two books at a time, but the lights are turned out at 11 p.m.

Despite the drastic changes, Hodgson said that Hernandez has been a model prisoner so far.

“He’s been nothing but perfect,” said Hodgson. “I met with him when he first came in to lay the rules out. I said, ‘Here’s the deal. You won’t be treated any better or worse or get any special privileges here. If you have any issues or problems, tell command.’ He was very polite and very respectful. He didn’t seem nervous, he seemed very comfortable.”

Hernandez can leave his cell three times per day, for an hour each time. He can walk 30 yards in the unit. In the morning, he can make collect calls and take a shower in a small stall.

Outside of attorney visits, Hernandez is allowed visitation from a list he submits of five people, but it is unclear if his fiancée or any former teammates have seen him so far.

Amazingly, it was less than 18 months ago that Hernandez was catching a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.

“Every Sunday he went into a stadium where thousands of people cheered him and revered him,” said Hodgson. “In an instant he walks through our door, gets a new uniform, a longer number, and nobody’s cheering for him.”