Greg Hardy Has Not Learned His Lesson

Before deciding to provide my two-cents as a PR and #Crisis professional - I paused to process what appears to be the next page/chapter of the Greg Hardy domestic violence ordeal being his recent @ESPN interview. When I saw the teases of what was discussed, I was in awe. My first moment of shock occurred when I saw,, what he had on. I call this the "visual voice". You mean to tell me that the first, real time, you decide to sit down (and, I will give my opinion on the timing of it all shortly) to discuss this serious issue, you believe wearing a skull cap, sweatpants and sneakers is appropriate? Mr. Hardy, I am beyond shocked that your reps, counsel, anyone, did not advise and/or force you to dress appropriately - a suit and tie. Your "visual voice" showed the lack of seriousness you had/have for a situation that has possibly ended your @NFL career.

After getting pass his "visual voice", I actually paid attention to the words coming out of his mouth. Not once in this interview or any previous mentions concerning this situation have I heard or seen sincere remorse. Not once has he, I guess now, without incriminating himself, expressed personal responsibility for how things ended that night with his then-girlfriend, Ms. Holder. Not to my knowledge has he acknowledged that the ordeal has made him take a serious look in the mirror for personal growth and improvement.

It's great that you are about to graduate college. I applaud you and any other professional athlete, who left school early to pursue their professional athletic dreams, that decides to return to complete their college education. However, that doesn't help you to learn/heal/grow from and, even teach from what has you where you are right now. Unemployed.

So, Mr. Hardy, what have you done to take a very serious moment in your life and have it become a teachable one for yourself as well as other men and women? Have you done any volunteer work for a domestic violence organization? Have you apologized to your former-girlfriend for what you did do to her that evening? Have you spoken to young men, those aspiring to become a professional athlete or not about learning from your mistakes? Have you spoken to young girls/women on what behavior they should and should not accept from young boys/men? I have said and continue to say, you don't have to learn a lesson first hand. Pay attention to the mistakes made by others and learn their lesson with them. Allow this situation to provide a platform for you to teach from.

Lastly, the timing of the interview...Hardy has only now sat down to speak, trying to reshape his image after becoming a free agent and with no known bites from any NFL team. All of this speaks volumes.

Hardy ESPN Interview

Panthers cut WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com

Okay, I am so sorry that Dwayne Jarrett was released today by the Panthers. The 23 year old looked to have a promising career....and, he still might. But, right now as I type he is unemployed. The question is, "should he be?" The answer is, "no, he should not be."

As I have stated in previous posts, although an athlete has talent and money, they still do not possess maturity, common sense or life experience. Their life since Pop Warner has been sports...period. And, their life after being drafted is sports. They have not had a chance to live, grow, make mistakes, process....all the basic things teenagers and young adults are able to do in the world. So, when they enter the ADULT world of sports, the expectation that is placed on them is unfair.

When their parents hand them over to their sports agents there should be an understanding that the sports agents don't just help brocker the best financial deal for them with the best team. The sports agent must now take on the responsibility of mentoring, monitoring and managing the off-the-field behavior of the athlete.

Sports agents need to mentor their clients; guide them through all things that come with taking on this adult responsibility called "Pro Athlete". Sports agents need to monitor their clients; make sure they are acting responsible and being a good steward over all they have. And, sports agents need to manage their clients. Now, the latter is done to a degree, but not completely. In managing your client you are bringing in the RIGHT people to help ensure the client's brand is not just secured, but enhanced and ever evolving. All of this helps the sports agent at the negotiating table walk away with more money.

But, what happens more than not is they see the athletes as a check...period. There is no concern or little concern of the athlete's well-being...no proactive action taken to ensure that, if nothing else, their check is safe and a constant, by putting in place the right elements to guarantee success.

So, today, I would like to ask the question, when will a portion of the blame for the missteps of these young athletes begin to be placed on the sports agents? When will they be held responsible for some of the drama that seems to be getting worse within professional athletes' off-the-field/court actions?

These KIDS need help. They do not need someone else in their pockets and being a "yes person". Rather, they need someone who will give them sound advice, direction, assistance and support.

Am I alone in this form of thinking or what?

Panthers cut WR Dwayne Jarrett after second drunken driving arrest - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com