Former New England Patriots linebacker Niko Koutouvides may not be invited back to speak for the team after an awkward story at Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction Saturday outside Gillette Stadium.
Koutouvides recalled Gronkowski bringing an adult toy to training camp in 2011 and discussing it with Aaron Hernandez. The story drew criticism online, and Gronkowski looked uncomfortable as it unfolded.
Koutouvides began by warning children in the crowd not to ask questions about what they were about to hear. He then described Gronkowski complaining that an adult toy associated with Jenna Jameson had been disappointing. Jameson is an adult-film actress.
He went on to say Hernandez responded by describing a package he had bought in college, including various steps and supplies. Koutouvides recalled wondering whether to join the conversation, then asking the two players why they were discussing something artificial when they would be out of camp in a few weeks.
According to Koutouvides, Gronkowski and Hernandez joked that the camp stretch felt much longer than it really was. He said the three of them ended up having a good experience together.
As soon as Koutouvides finished, Gronkowski cut things short, thanking him and telling him he was done.
Several social media users criticized the speech, calling the story uninteresting and questioning why Koutouvides had been given the microphone. Others simply described the moment as uncomfortable.
