Irvin: O'Brien compared Hopkins to Aaron Hernandez in pre-trade meeting
The shocking trade of DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals left many wondering if there was more to the story behind the scenes.
On Wednesday's episode of ESPN's "Get Up," Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin said he spoke to Hopkins, who revealed head coach Bill O'Brien compared him to Aaron Hernandez during a heated meeting, which seemingly led to the trade.
The meeting was apparently held because O'Brien thought Hopkins had too much influence over Houston's locker room. Irvin said Hopkins described the situation as "a bit of a power struggle."
"(O'Brien) started the meeting with telling DeAndre Hopkins this. ... He said: 'Hey, the last time I had to have a meeting like this, it was with Aaron Hernandez," Irvin explained.
.@michaelirvin88 shared shocking details surrounding the relationship problems between Bill O'Brien and DeAndre Hopkins. pic.twitter.com/mr33pvpfxC
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 18, 2020
Irvin added that Hopkins was confused and angered by the comparison and that the meeting "deteriorated" from there.
"Hopkins has a few kids from different women - (O'Brien) told DeAndre he doesn't like that he has his 'baby mamas' around sometimes, and from that, I think the relationship just went bad," Irvin added.
Shortly after Irvin's TV appearance, Hopkins took to social media to downplay the incident with O'Brien:
This is being blown way out of proportion. As I’ve said before, I enjoyed and am proud of my time with the Texans. I have the utmost respect for Coach O’Brien and that will not change. Now, I’m ready to play for the Cardinals.
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) March 18, 2020
O'Brien also acts as the club's general manager, so he has power over personnel decisions.
Hopkins' desire for a new contract at the top of the wideout market might have also proved problematic. His representatives told the Texans that he wanted a deal worth $18 million to $20 million per season and was willing to hold out to get it, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.
The 27-year-old is currently tied for eighth among receivers in annual salary ($16.2 million), according to Spotrac.
Hopkins and a fourth-round pick were reportedly shipped to the Cardinals in exchange for running back David Johnson, a second-rounder, and a 2021 fourth-round selection.
The move was widely panned, as Hopkins remains one of the game's best receivers, while Johnson has struggled with injuries and has a bloated contract. Moreover, other trades involving star wideouts, such as Odell Beckham Jr., have netted at least one first-round pick.