Roger Goodell's approval needed for any team to sign Aaron Hernandez

Aaron Hernandez cleared waivers Thursday while the tight end was being held without bail. (Boston Globe)

Speculation on whether a team would claim Aaron Hernandez on waivers following his arrest and release by the Patriots was cooled by the NFL Thursday afternoon.

The league released a statement saying any contract a team enters into with Hernandez prior to his legal issues being resolved will not be approved until commissioner Roger Goodell holds a hearing on the player's standing.

Hernandez officially cleared waivers Thursday, which makes him a free agent even though he remains in jail without bail, facing six charges including first-degree murder.

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Here's the release posted on the NFL's communications website:

NFL clubs were advised today that if Aaron Hernandez enters into a player contract prior to the resolution of the charges pending against him, the contract will not be approved or take effect until Commissioner Roger Goodell holds a hearing. The purpose of the hearing would be to determine whether Hernandez should be suspended or face other action prior to the charges being resolved.