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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers player Greg Hardy was arrested on two misdemeanor charges Tuesday: one for communicating threats, the other for assault on a female. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police report indicates the alleged altercation happened just after 4:15 Tuesday morning inside an Uptown Charlotte apartment building where Hardy lives on the fifth floor.
His girlfriend, an unidentified 24-year-old woman Hardy has been reportedly dating since September, told police she was threatened and physically assaulted by Hardy. The police report indicates she suffered bruises and scratches, but refused treatment. The documents also indicate she had been drinking alcohol.
In a statement to WCCB, the Panthers say, “We are very disappointed to learn of the allegations involving Greg and are concerned for all parties as we continue to investigate.”
Hardy’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, sent WCCB Charlotte an email saying “We have no comment at this time.”
CMPD says 25-year-old Hardy turned himself in Tuesday morning and was transferred to the sheriff’s office.
Hardy is known for his aggressive, unfiltered alter ego called “The Kraken.” In January, he told reporters before the playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, “If you don’t stop me, I’m gonna break the quarterback’s face.” It’s the sort of intensity coaches, teammates, and even fans want on the field.
Charlotte sports psychologist Dr. Brian Monteleone says it’s difficult for many professional athletes, especially football players, to turn that intensity off. Monteleone says, “If he feels this ‘Kraken,’ this personality, this persona, is essential to his game and having that edge, then the next phase is how do we manage this effectively? How we do manage so you can A, be the best football player you can be, but also when you’re off the field, how can you be the best person you can be and avoid these types of issues in your personal life?”
Hardy carries the team franchise tag, which means it could cost the Panthers a lot to cut him. The commissioner could also suspend him. In recent history, the Steelers cut Cedrick Wilson and Chris Rainey. The Bengals cut Ahmad Brooks and the Dolphins cut Chad Johnson, all for violence against women.
