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Unnecessary Roughness

By: Jose Baez, Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez - foreword
Narrated by: Ben Jeffrey, Shayna Small
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Publisher's summary

The New York Times best seller: a revelatory inside story of the trial and final days of New England Patriots superstar Aaron Hernandez, by his attorney and New York Times best-selling author Jose Baez.

When renowned defense attorney Jose Baez received a request for representation from Aaron Hernandez, the disgraced Patriots tight-end was already serving a life sentence for murder. Defending him in a second, double-murder trial seemed like a lost cause - but Baez accepted the challenge, and their partnership culminated in a dramatic courtroom victory, a race to contest his first conviction, and ultimately a tragedy, when Aaron took his own life days after his acquittal.

This riveting, closely-observed account of Aaron's life and final year is the only book based on countless intimate conversations with Aaron, and told from the perspective of a true insider. Written with the support of Hernandez's fiancée, Unnecessary Roughness takes listeners inside the high-profile trial, offering a dramatic retelling of the race to obtain key evidence that would exonerate Hernandez, and later play a critical role in appealing his first conviction.

With revelations about Aaron's personal life that weren't shared at trial, and an exploration of the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy diagnosis revealed by his autopsy, Jose Baez's Unnecessary Roughness is a startling courtroom drama and an unexpected portrait of a fallen father, fiancé, and teammate.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Jose Baez (P)2018 Hachette Audio
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Critic reviews

"One of the best-known criminal-defense lawyers in America...The man who knows Aaron Hernandez's secrets." (Esquire)

What listeners say about Unnecessary Roughness

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Great listen

Really allows you to see Jose, Shayanna and Aaron in a bright light ! Excellent Subject! Great flow

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What a story!

I couldn’t wait to listen to this book, it is well written, I just loved the story. The narrator is amazing too. I think narrator makes all the difference. I never heard about CTE until I listened to this book. Very informative. You wouldn’t be sorry for buying it

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Great Book

I loved it! Very well put! Love Jose Biaz. This is definitely a great read.

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AARON

This was a great story but oh so sad. I think if he could have held on a bit longer, had another trial, his term would have been a lot shorter. What a great football star !!!!!

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The Full Story

This book tells the full story of what happened in regards to Aaron Hernandez and his cases. It paints a clear picture and sheds light on how corrupt our justice system is.

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Thank you Mr.Baez

Thank you Mr.Baez for telling Aaron's story in truth!
May Aaron rest in peace, the amazingly astonishing young man he was.
This book was amazing!

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Such a sad, sad story...

I have now completed three books about the tragic life of Aaron Hernandez. I started with the James Patterson book - which reminded me of the entire case history. Next was the book by his brother Jonathan (DJ) Hernandez - this book gave insight to his childhood and discussed head injuries as a child that neither of the other books mentioned. I finished with this book, which I think was the best of the three. I’m very glad I read them in the order that I did. Mr. Baez’s insight into the legal process, especially in such a high profile case, was fascinating and well told. He retold the story in a conversational manner as if he was speaking to you as a friend or trusted colleague. I gained a new respect for defense attorneys.

Aaron’s story is tragic and knowing that his CTE was so advanced, it had to have affected his actions. The evidence of CTE in football is real. We will continue to hear about more and more players and former players suffering from this condition. Anyone who allows their child to participate in tackle football needs to know the facts.

I hope that when she is old enough to understand, that Aaron’s daughter will find some comfort in the knowledge that her father loved her and was not a monster. Really such a sad sad story.

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Bazinga

I listened to All-American Murder by James Patterson immediately before I listened to Unnecessary Roughness by Jose Baez. It was great to hear the story told from two separate viewpoints. Especially since I finished both in back to back days. Aaron Hernandez's story is a sad tale. The narrator was great and I'd recommend this to anyone.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to multiple times. I'll update my review if I listen again.

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Outstanding audiobook

I found this book very interesting and informative. Well written and thought out. It gives tremendous insight into Hernandez’ murder trail and a lot of the behind the scenes activities.

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Baez Is Great

I love watching Jose Baez perform in the courtroom. This guy is the best trial lawyer in the country. He is a force.

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1 person found this helpful