It’s May 12, the day that the compensatory draft-pick formula shuts off for players who became free agents on March 9. Among the free agents still looking for work is defensive end Greg Hardy.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Hardy’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has sent to all teams detailed information regarding the activities in which Hardy has been engaged in order to identify and cure any and all disorders that may have contributed to past misbehavior, on and/or off the field.
Hardy has been evaluated and treated by multiple NFL physicians, with Dr. Heidi Bruty recently documenting the various steps and stages of individual and group counseling, along with other methods. Topics included his anger management, temper management, domestic violence, and evaluation for ADHD. Hardy also is learning more about impulsive decision making, and he is being assessed for personality, mood, learning, and speech disorders.
This year, Hardy has participated in at least 24 psychiatric therapy sessions, and he will continue to receive treatment and evaluation aimed at preventing the issues that plagued him in the past. He also is taking classes at the University of Mississippi.
None of this changes the behavior in which he engaged or the lack of contrition displayed in an interview earlier this year with ESPN, but it shows that he’s at least trying to make meaningful changes, unlike some other players who have displayed antisocial conduct.
Ultimately, the challenge for Hardy will be to find a team that is willing to take the heat that will come from taking a chance on him. While his efforts to seek treatment and evaluation won’t solve all concerns, it can’t hurt — and it may help.
Regardless of whether Hardy finds another NFL job, the efforts in which he is engaged definitely could help him personally. Still only 27, he needs to lay the foundation now for a life that doesn’t include further incidents of domestic violence or other forms of inappropriate behavior.