WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Sports Story episode 9.
The penultimate episode of FX’sAmerican Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezdepicts Aaron Hernadnez’s ex-fiancee Shayanna Jenkins, played by Jaylen Barron, sitting with Hernandez’s mother during his murder trial over her own flesh and blood.American Sports Storyepisode 9 “What’s Left Behind” placesHernandez’s ex-fiancee Shayanna Jenkinsin the hot seat asshe chooses to defend Hernandez through his arrest and murder conviction. The contents of thebox that Hernandez asked Shayanna to dispose ofremain a mystery in both the series and in reality.
Since thefirst two episodes ofAmerican Sports Story, thelife and NFL career of Aaron Hernandezwere headed toward a tragic and frightening endpoint that resulted inthe former New England Patriot and star tight end receiving a lifetime prison sentenceforthe murder of Odin Lloyd. From his emergence as an offensive weapon onUrban Meyer’s legendary yet controversial Florida Gators teamand receiving thecoveted John Mackey Award, Hernandez began his life sentence on August 15, 2025, just months after the Patriots won their fourth franchise Super Bowl.
The final episode ofAmerican Sports Story: Aaron Hernandezwill air next Tuesday at 10 PM on FX.
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez Sat With Aaron’s Family In Court In Real Life
Shayanna’s sister Shaena viewed it as a blatant betrayal
As depicted inAmerican Sports Storyepsiode 9, Shayanna chose to sit on Hernandez’s side of the court during his murder trial rather than on the prosecution’s side with her sister, Shaena. This fact is accurate to real life and not just something that the show made up for dramatic purposes.Shayanna chose to support Hernadnez throughout his legal issuesin order to keep their family unit intact with their daughter, Aiveee, at the center. Shaena, who was dating Lloyd when Hernandez killed him, viewed it as a blatant betrayal.
American Sports Story Episode 9 True Story: What The Show Changes
The penultimate episode of American Sports Story depicts Shayanna’s response to Hernandez’s arrest and alters several aspects of the murder trial.
The real-life Shayanna Jenkins testified that she and her sister Shaena were not on speaking terms during Hernandez’s murder trial. This is a direct result of Shayanna’s decision to stand by Hernandez throughout his arrest, conviction, and all the way up to his death by suicide in 2017.American Sports Storyepisode 9 recreates the true scenario in whichShayanna and Hernandez’s mom Terri sobbed together in court following Hernandez’s guilty verdict. On the other side of the court were Shaena and Lloyd’s mother, Ursula Ward.
The Reason Shayanna Sat On Aaron Hernandez’s Side Of The Court
She was one of his few “ride or die” supporters
American Sports Storyepisode 9 portrays Shayanna being loyal to Hernandez until the very end. Despite the show implying that Hernandez was upset at Shayanna for testifying against Hernandez in exchange for immunity regarding removing the suspicious box,there is no record of Hernandez blaming his then-fiancee for his circumstances. Shayanna had an incredibly difficult decision to make between her given family and chosen family because of Hernandez’s violent criminal acts. Ultimately, much like his cousin Tanya Singleton who was nearly sent to prison for refusing to testify, she did not want to abandon the father of her child inAmerican Sports Story.
American Sports Story
Cast
American Sports Story is a TV show from Stu Zicherman and executive produced by Ryan Murphy. The series stars Josh Andrés Rivera as Aaron Hernandez and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow. The sports anthology series serves as the fourth installment in Murphy’s “American Story” franchise.
