Terrence Kiel: 1980-2008

Somewhat lost in the aftermath of Terrence Kiel's death over the holiday weekend was the reaction of Chargers general manager A.J. Smith.
Said A.J.: "I'm still gathering information. I would hope it's a Fourth of July party. I hope that's what it is."
What is A.J. trying to say here, that he doesn't approve of guys partying and drinking (allegedly), however, it's different if they're partying and drinking patriotically?