Hernandez pleads not guilty

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez pleaded not guilty to a first- degree murder charge Friday following his indictment in the killing of a friend authorities say was shot five times in an industrial park. Hernandez firmly answered “not guilty” to six charges, including murder and weapons and ammunition possession charges. His attorneys agreed ahead of the hearing that Hernandez, 23, will continue to be held without bail but reserved the right to request bail later. The next court hearing was set for Oct. 9. Defense attorney Charles Rankin said outside the courthouse that Hernandez’s legal team is confident the ex-Patriot will be exonerated during a trial. “Not one shred of evidence has been presented yet,” he said. The arraignment “is like the opening kickoff,” Rankin said. And, he encouraged people to keep an open mind and let the lawyers and the justice system do their work. Bristol District Attorney Samuel Sutter said, in fact, a “tremendous amount” of evidence has already been presented. He cited 500 pages of documents released to the press and public, including search and arrest warrants, affidavits and photographs taken from a surveillance system at Hernandez’s home. “I think that evidence speaks for itself,” he said. Sutter said he hopes the case will go to trial within a year but that it can sometimes take two years or more. OLYMPICS BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — From the Fukushima nuclear leak to the war in Syria to Europe’s economic crisis, the choice of the host city for the 2020 Olympics is fraught with risks. Picking the site with the least risks shapes up as the challenge for the International Olympic Committee today in a tight three-city contest that members say is too close to call. “It’s certainly an open race,” South African IOC member Sam Ramsamy said Friday. “They all have positive and negative points. The final presentations will be crucial.” After a two-year global race, Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul spent their final full day of campaigning Friday to drum up last- minute support in their bid to secure the biggest sports event on the international stage. Tokyo has been seen as a slight favorite, but its status has been put into question by concerns over the leak of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima plant. Madrid, once counted out because of Spain’s financial troubles, has generated the most recent buzz and momentum and could be poised for an upset win. Istanbul, dogged by the war in neighboring Syria and possible Western military strikes against Bashar Assad’s regime, looks to be the outsider. London bookmakers have been taking a rush of bets on Madrid, whose odds have been slashed from 4-1 a week ago to 5-4. Tokyo remains the betting favorite, though its odds have shortened to 5-6. Istanbul is listed at 6-1.