Update, 6/25/13, 6 a.m. EDT: This story has been revised to include an additional statement from Ropes & Gray partner Michael Fee, who represents Aaron Hernandez, in the seventh paragraph.

Aaron Hernandez, a star tight end for the New England Patriots, is the latest National Football League player looking at iron bars instead of the gridiron. But unlike other players who have run afoul of the law, Hernandez has tapped an Am Law 100 firm for legal assistance.