Greg Hardy regrets what happened in the past. Whatever that means.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive end expressed remorse via Twitter. It came a day after Deadspin published a detailed account, and graphic photos, from the night that led to domestic violence charges for Hardy and a four-game suspension from the NFL.
Just had to say I express my regret 4 what happened in past and I'm Dedicated to being the best person & teammate that I can be
— Kraken&theNightmares (@OverlordKraken) November 8, 2015
but mostly I am Grateful 4 the opportunity to play in NFL #GodBlessHookyStreet
— Kraken&theNightmares (@OverlordKraken) November 8, 2015
Slight issue here though, the measured words and veiled admission of guilt actually apologize for nothing. Legally what happened that night no longer exists. It has been expunged.
The accusations that Hardy choked his one-time girlfriend, threw her in a bathtub, then tossed her on a couch of guns and threatened to to kill her - those have been erased from his record.
Maybe Hardy's tweets also means he regrets his guns blazin' comment and talking about Tom Brady's wife and her sisters? Maybe the tweets also mean he regrets getting physical with an assistant coach on the sidelines during the Giants game?
After seeing photos from the Deadspin article, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shifted his tone. A couple weeks ago, Jones had called Hardy a "real leader." Hours after the photos became public the owner released a statement.
“While we did not have access to the photos that became public today, we were and are aware of the serious nature of this incident. We as an organization take this very seriously. We do not condone domestic violence. We entered into the agreement with Greg fully understanding that there would be scrutiny and criticism. We have given Greg a second chance. He is a member of our team and someone who is grateful for the opportunity he has been given to move forward with his life and his career.”
Second chances are a virtuous ideal, but even with an expunged legal record, the public record of Hardy's words and actions don't provide much evidence that the chance is worth it.
SPORTS LEADERSHIP NOTEBOOK
WANT AD: New WNBA President, 'Basketball Experience Preferred'
When the WNBA starts its 20th season it will have a new president. Laurel J. Richie, the first African-American to lead a major sports league, stepped down from that role, the league announced in a press release this week.
“I am proud of what the WNBA has been able to accomplish during my tenure and am grateful for the opportunity to play my part in setting the stage for the 20th season and beyond,” Richie said in the release.
Richie, who started in May 2011, saw the product on the court improve, but this past season had its bumps. Average attendance dipped to a historic low, in part because San Antonio had to temporarily relocate while its home arena was renovated. Star Brittney Griner was arrested on domestic violence charges for an incident that occurred during Griner's brief marriage to two-time WNBA All-Star Glory Johnson. The Phoenix Mercury's nine-time All-Star guard Diana Taurasi was paid by her Russian pro team to sit out and watch the WNBA season.
In an interview with Mechelle Voepel of espnW.com, NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the next steps for the WNBA and what attributes he'd look for in the league's next president.
"If I'm writing the job description now -- and I haven't done this yet -- under the 'attributes' category, it's 'basketball experience preferred,' we would say."
What Matters About Mid-Season NFL Firings
It wasn't exactly mid-season in Miami when head coach Joe Philbin got the boot and Dan Campbell took his place. For the Dolphins, this worked. Miami was 1-3 when Campbell took over. Now, they're 3-4, with Campbell's lone loss coming against the New England Patriots.
Campbell's visceral intensity seems to have begun a cultural shift. Whether or not that is sustained will be answered in how the rest of the season plays out for Miami, a fashionable preseason pick to have a breakthrough playoff-making year.
It is unlikely the changes in Detroit and Indianapolis will have the same kind of impact.
The Lions jettisoned offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coaches Jeremiah Washburn and Terry Heffernan last month. Then came last week's firing of general manager Martin Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand. The move was applauded in Detroit. It is seen as a departure from past business practices that allowed leaders who produced mediocre, or losing, results to stay in place.
The Lions are 1-7. This latest move will have little-to-no impact on the 2015 season. The next decision is the most important one. Detroit needs a football person lead the front office, one who can also change the organizational culture. Will that person take the job? And is the company willing to bear the changes necessary to become a winner?
In Indianapolis, the Colts have never lost more than five regular season games under head coach Chuck Pagano. This year, the Colts are already 3-5. The ever-simmering discord between Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson led to a players-only meeting a few days ago. It's an attempt for the kids to stop the parental infighting from getting in the way in the locker room or on the field.
One outcome of losing and the rift between the coach and general manager is the firing of Pep Hamilton. The offensive coordinator is collateral damage in the ongoing battle for power between Pagano and Grigson. That's all. Rob Chudzinski is the new offensive coordinator, but it is unrealistic to expect this coaching change to make a major difference during the next eight games.
Colin Kaepernick's 4-Year Anniversary And The Continued Implosion In San Francisco
Four years ago on Veterans Day, Colin Kaepernick entered a game against the St. Louis Rams. He rallied the 49ers with a 17-point fourth quarter. The game ended in a tie at 24. Kaepernick remained the starter. He went 5-2 as during the regular season. He helped lead San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII. He even came within a few yards of winning it.
Today, Kaepernick is back to where he was on Veterans Day four years ago. His play has declined and he is the back up to Blaine Gabbert. The benching continues the 49ers' implosion. It started when head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the University of Michigan and it shows no signs of letting up.
