5 scandals that rocked the NFL feat. teams cheating, players accused of domestic abuse and manslaughter 

5 NFL scandals that dominated news headlines

#3 - Michael Vick and the Dogfighting Ring

Philadelphia Eagles sign Michael Vick

Michael Vick is the first quarterback in NFL history to exceed 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. His athleticism is something he will be remembered for, but not quite as much as the dogfighting scandal he was involved in, which became one of the most high-profile cases and news stories in American history.

Vick was arrested, along with several others in association with Bad Newz Kennels, an illegal dog-fighting operation that was taken down as the subject of a federal investigation. Vick was charged with conspiracy and spent nearly two years in prison after being found guilty of funding the gambling side of the operation.

#2 - New England Patriots found guilty of Spygate and Deflategate

New England Patriots Tom Brady and Bill Belichick

During the New England Patriots' dominance in the NFL that lasted two decades with quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, they earned six Super Bowl rings and the nickname The Evil Empire. The name was due to being hated around the NFL because of how much they won, but also because of the multiple cheating scandals they were involved with.

The Patriots were found guilty of Spygate when they were caught illegally filming on the sidelines of opposing teams to decode their coaching signals. Bill Belichick and the organization were fined and forced to surrender NFL draft picks. Eight years later, they were found guilty of Deflategate when they schemed to illegally modify game-used footballs. Tom Brady was suspended for four games while the Patriots were fined a million dollars and forced to surrender more NFL draft picks.

#1 - The Aaron Hernandez Case

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez has a life story that is filled with many different controversial topics, including his criminal history. He had a long list of charges throughout his life as he was involved in many fights and drug situations while being associated with gang activity, both prior and during his NFL career.

His most serious charge was his final one, when he was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Odin Lloyd. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but would seek an appeal for the final sentencing. While the process was ongoing, he tragically committed suicide in his prison cell.