As the investigation into New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez's connection to a recent homicide a half-mile from his home continues, NFL officials are taking a cautious approach as to how to deal with the situation.

Commissioner Roger Goodell -- no-nonsense in his past dealings with players who ran afoul of the law such as Michael Vick, Johnny Jolly and Adam "Pacman" Jones -- is currently waiting to see what developments occur legally before handing down a possible suspension to the standout pass-catcher.

Goodell has been quoted as saying, "We must protect the integrity of the NFL. The highest standards of conduct  must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right.

"These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."

Hernandez's North Attleborough, Mass. home was searched after the body of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player, was found by a jogger Monday. Lloyd's relatives told the AP that Pats' tight end and Odin were friends, and had been together late Sunday.

Hernandez was also slapped with a lawsuit Wednesday by Florida native Alexander Bradl