Panther defensive end Greg Hardy was arrested Tuesday on misdemeanor charges of communicating threats and assaulting a female. Here's the news story. The Panthers quickly issued a statement saying: "We are very disappointed to learn of the allegations involving Greg and are concerned for all parties as we continue to investigate."
Like anyone, Hardy is innocent until proven guilty. But when one of the team's five best players gets arrested in Charlotte and has a mugshot that quickly has found its way all over online, that's going to make major news, and that's exactly the kind of news the Panthers don't need.
Hardy, who calls himself the "Kraken" in a nod to to the mythological sea monster, has had behavioral and maturity issues before. That's part of the reason he lasted until the sixth round of the 2010 draft despite otherworldly athletic ability. Hardy also had a bad motorcycle accident on the eve of the 2011 training camp, which cost him most of that preseason.
He was spectacular in 2013 for Carolina, with 15 sacks and his first Pro Bowl appearance. The 15 sacks tied a team record and represented a fourth of the Panthers' 60-sack total, which led the NFL. The Panthers responded by giving Hardy their "franchise tag," which guaranteed him a $13.1-million salary this season if he doesn't reach a long-term extension with the team.
As for the arrest, undoubtedly there will be more details emerging, and it is important to stress it is a misdemeanor, not a felony. See the incident report yourself if you like. But one thing you can say for sure: This isn't good, Hardy is in hot water once more, and as my colleague Tom Sorensen notes, a lot of people in the Panther organization are livid right now.
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16 comments:
That's no big deal, I'm just glad he didn't say anything derogatory about Michael Sam. That would be worthy of a prison sentence!
15 minutes into a life-changing amount of money and Hardy does either one of two things. He either "Did something stupid" or "found himself in the middle of something stupid". Either way he apparently loves being involved in "stupid" things. We are NEVER going to pay a stupid player.
convenient that he wasn't signed to a long term deal prior to this.
inconvenient he was franchised and not traded elsewhere.
convenient we drafted a replacement
inconvenient we used 13.1 million on keeping him instead of keeping everybody else/replacing jordan gross.
i think everyone would feel great right now if we spent that money on a stud left tackle.
I wouldn't put it past me if this was a ploy (by Hardy) for Hardy to be realeased so he can get "paid" by another team???
They will sign him. Smith hit multiple players, not as bad as a female, but still, and they kept him. Maybe now he will sign for less.
... and this is the problem with most DV incidents. It is never about the victim. A woman got hit and threatened!!! But please, let's turn it into Greg and his money
Anonymous May 13, 2014 at 5:55 PM
Congratulations!
You have officially posted one of the most illogical comments of all time.
NFL = Not For Long
See, Gettleman knew what he was doing drafting an outstanding D lineman, when everyone on here called it a bad pick. If it wasn't the huge money owed to Hardy/Johnson, it was going to be Hardy's stupidity that led to one of the starting D-Ends being gone. The man (or the Gettle-man) is a fortune teller.
" Clay said...
Anonymous May 13, 2014 at 5:55 PM
Congratulations!
You have officially posted one of the most illogical comments of all time.
May 14, 2014 at 7:52 AM "
Anonymous May 13, 2014 at 5:55 PM said:
Wow! Somebody else said a similar thing:
charlottean said...
convenient that he wasn't signed to a long term deal prior to this.
inconvenient he was franchised and not traded elsewhere.
convenient we drafted a replacement
inconvenient we used 13.1 million on keeping him instead of keeping everybody else/replacing jordan gross.
i think everyone would feel great right now if we spent that money on a stud left tackle.
MAY 13, 2014 AT 5:00 PM
She's probably lying. Girls like this target celebrity type figures. I'd like to learn more about her past and if this is consistent with her past behavior. If Hardy called 911, she may have been threatening to hurt herself or him. Article says she was intoxicated at 4am
Was it not reported at the time Hardy was tagged that the 13.1 million is guaranteed only in the event of injury? In other words can't the Panthers release him without paying him.
The anger comes from being mad at himself for his immature decision making. Being young with money is dangerous when the wrong woman is involved. Should of just counted his losses and moved on. Lesson learned.
yes, i know if a man is being attacked, and call police.he get's arrested. they always side with woman. it happened to me and some of my friends. that is the way it is. it is not fair ,but what can you do!!
Well maybe the team could place an open call for a trade for a left tackle and/or draft picks see what offers they get. OR, they could realize he's young and dumb like all twenty-somethings and work with him to grow up.
So I love football and I love the Panthers. I'm a HUGE fan. But I don't understand why some fans are reacting to this in a nonchalant manner. Even if you look beyond the actions, how can you forget the embarrassment of Rae Carruth? That's not a fair comparison but this is a big black eye for the team. I'm all about innocent till proven guilty. But if she is crawling to the elevators as the Police arrive... And I've grown tired of these athletes and what they get away with. You play football. You are an incredible athlete and play the game at an elite level. But you are more than fairly compensated. But these athletes and these leagues are spinning out of control. I, for one, would have no problem cutting Hardy and sending a clear, no tolerance message. Hardy... you hit a woman, you aren't half the man you think you are.
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