Greg Hardy has been a free agent since March 9 and hasn’t found any NFL teams interested in signing him. His attempt at image rehabilitation in an interview with ESPN’s Adam Schefter was a public relations disaster, failing to convince the public, let alone NFL general managers and coaches, that he’s a problem worth adding to their rosters.
But as you might expect, Hardy isn’t giving up on his attempt to find employment in the NFL. According to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, agent Drew Rosenhaus has sent information to all 32 NFL teams regarding Hardy’s attempt to identify what conditions may have contributed to his behavior on and off the field. That information includes multiple evaluations by several league physicians that detail the individual and group counseling for anger management and domestic violence Hardy has undergone. Additionally, Hardy has been evaluated for ADHD and various mood disorders. Rosenhaus also informed NFL teams that Hardy has gone through 24 psychiatric therapy sessions.
All of those actions seem to indicate that Hardy is acknowledging his problems and violent actions. But NFL executives and coaches may also have difficulty reconciling the information Rosenhaus shared with Hardy appearing unapologetic and defiant during his interview with Schefter.
During an interview with @AdamSchefter, Greg Hardy denied that he has ever hit a woman. https://t.co/PW0Rh1fNvKhttps://t.co/VevnAkxxuU
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 4, 2016
In the immediate aftermath of that televised conversation, no one seemed to believe that Hardy was convincing or in any way remorseful. The interview came off more as Hardy saying what he felt needed to be said in order to get NFL teams to start calling him up for workouts and contract offers. Though Hardy is still just 27 years old, the public relations backlash that would result from signing such a controversial player is an issue many clubs likely won’t want to deal with. Of course, this is also far beyond a football question with Hardy. But his poor performance on and off the field with the Dallas Cowboys last season makes steering clear of Hardy justifiable from a football standpoint as well.
Few would presumably deny that Hardy is taking some important steps in acknowledging his problems, what caused them and his history with domestic violence. But simply going through hoops to appear contrite isn’t going to be enough. Eventually, some team will likely take a chance on Hardy. But the linebacker still has to show that he’s worth the risk, that he’s a player who truly has learned from his mistakes and ready to work on becoming a better human being.
