Hernandez Defense Lawyer Admonished For Joke

The judge overseeing the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez has chastised his lawyer for making a joke about Deflategate while questioning a witness in court.

James Sultan was questioning a state police trooper about tire pressure Thursday when he jokingly asked whether the trooper had ever received ``training in football deflation devices.''

On Friday morning, Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh told Sultan that they are conducting serious business, and she does not expect there to be any more jokes. Sultan agreed and expressed regret.

Hernandez is accused of the 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, who was dating the sister of his fiancee.

The Patriots were accused of using underinflated footballs in their AFC championship win. The NFL is investigating.