Khalif Barnes

Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge Friday in Fall River, Mass., following his indictment in the killing of a friend authorities say was shot five times in an industrial park.

Hernandez firmly answered "not guilty" to six charges, including murder and weapons and ammunition possession charges.

His attorneys agreed ahead of the hearing that Hernandez, 23, will continue to be held without bail, but reserved the right to request bail later. The next court hearing was set for Oct. 9.

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Two splinter lawsuits filed against NFL Films have been...