Hernandez convicted of murder, sentenced to life

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez was convicted of first- degree murder and sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for a deadly latenight shooting, sealing the downfall of an athlete who once had a $40 million contract and a standout career ahead of him. Hernandez, 25, who had been considered one of the top tight ends in professional football, shook his head, pursed his lips and sat down after the jury forewoman pronounced him guilty in the slaying of Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old landscaper and amateur weekend football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee. Hernandez’s mother, Terri, and his fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins, cried and gasped when they heard the verdict. Hernandez, his eyes red, mouthed to them: “Be strong. Be strong.” Lloyd’s mother also cried. Jurors deliberated for 36 hours over seven days before rendering their decision, which also included convictions on weapons charges. “The jury found that he was just a man who committed a brutal murder,” District Attorney Thomas Quinn said after the verdict. “The fact that he was a professional athlete meant nothing in the end.” Lloyd was shot six times early on June 17, 2013, in a deserted industrial park near Hernandez’s home in North Attleborough. The motive never has been explained.

GOLF

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Masters champion Jordan Spieth is back to work this week at the RBC Heritage Classic after two days celebrating his victory at Augusta National and being showered with attention. Spieth arrived at Sea Pines Resort late Tuesday night after a media whirlwind in New York since tying Tiger Woods’ Masters record of 18-under 270 to earn the green jacket. The 21-year-old said it was a dizzying stretch with 26 appearances and interviews in 25 hours. “It was a little crazy in New York having paparazzi know where we were going to eat dinner even though we never told anybody,” Spieth said Wednesday. Spieth doesn’t believe the success will change him. In fact, he said he upheld his commitment to the RBC Heritage in part to chase down Rory McIlroy for world No. 1. “I wouldn’t come to a tournament just to come to a tournament, especially with that goal still in mind,” said Spieth, who moved to No. 2 in the world rankings with the Masters win.

SWIMMING

MESA, Ariz. — Michael Phelps is aiming to compete in a fifth Olympics next year in Rio, although the 18-time Olympic champion won’t swim in the world championships this summer. Phelps confirmed his intention to make one last run at the Olympics on Wednesday. “You guys heard it here first,” he told reporters at Skyline Aquatic Center, where he will be competing in his first meet since serving a six-month suspension by USA Swimming after a second drunken-driving arrest last fall. “I am looking forward to next year. I don’t think it’s too hard to really realize why I came back.” But Phelps said he won’t be swimming at the world meet in Russia in August as part of the punishment set forth by the sport’s U.S. governing body. He already had qualified in three events before being banned from the last major international meet before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

SOCCER

SAO PAULO — Brazilian soccer teams are on alert because of a dengue fever outbreak that has already affected some of the country’s top clubs. Three players were diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease this week, including Corinthians striker Paolo Guerrero. Players have been forced to use insect repellent during practice sessions and clubs have asked health officials to check their training centers for mosquito breeding sites. In addition to Guerrero, Palmeiras reserve goalkeeper Aranha and young Santos striker Leo Cittadini also have been diagnosed with the disease and won’t be able to help their teams in the final stages of the Sao Paulo state championship this month. “We have to find a way to stay away from this little mosquito,” Palmeiras midfielder Arouca said. Guerrero, the Corinthians’ top striker, also will miss his team’s last two games in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, Latin America’s top club tournament. The Peruvian has been hospitalized since Saturday and there is no word on when he will be released.