Cianne
11-07-2007, 02:13 PM
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071107/SPORTS030103/71107023/0/SPORTS
Ole Miss football star Hardy releases statement, says suspension due to 'lack of diligence'
By David Brandt
david.brandt@clarionledger.com
OXFORD — Greg Hardy is suspended from the Ole Miss football team but that hasn't stopped the standout defensive end from doing a little public relations work on the side.
Hardy e-mailed a press release today to four newspapers that cover the Rebels, saying he wants to return to the team.
Ole Miss officials, who have a policy that player interview be pre-arranged by the school, said they were aware of Hardy's statement and support its message.
In the statement, sent via Hardy's personal Ole Miss e-mail account, Hardy said he has done nothing "illegal, immoral or unethical" and is working to regain the trust of coach Ed Orgeron and his teammates so he could return to the team.
Hardy, who has missed games against Auburn and Northwestern State, was suspended by Orgeron more than a week ago after "violating team rules."
In his statement, Hardy said the reason for his suspension was because of a "lack of diligence on my part with my coaches regarding meetings and practices."
Hardy has not been allowed to practice since the suspension though Orgeron said on Tuesday that Hardy might return for Ole Miss' next game, Nov. 17 at home against No. 2-ranked LSU.
Even after missing two games, Hardy still leads the Southeastern Conference in tackles for a loss per game and sacks.
Below is the full text of Hardy's statement:
"I would like to congratulate my teammates and coaches for last weekend's win over Northwestern State. It hurt me considerably to not be with my teammates to support them, and it is an even greater pain to not be on the field, performing with them and sharing in the victory.
"I fully understand my mistakes, and take complete responsibility, for any distraction or negative impact, my situation has caused.
"There has been speculation regarding the reasons and circumstances that led to my absence from the team. I want everyone to know that my absence does not involve anything illegal, immoral, or unethical. It is the result of miscommunication and lack of diligence on my part with my coaches regarding meetings and practices. I have taken full responsibility and am currently trying to prove to Coach Orgeron, the rest of the coaching staff, and my teammates that I can be relied upon to meet my commitments as a player, teammate, and student-athlete in general.
"During the past week, I have had much time to reflect. While I have matured significantly since coming to Ole Miss, I recognize that I still have some growing up to do. And I look forward to doing some tremendous things here at Ole Miss, while realizing the true blessings - and responsibilities - that come with being a student-athlete.
"My family has a proud tradition at Ole Miss. I plan to continue that tradition by working diligently in the classroom - continuing on pace to graduate ahead of my anticipated graduation date - and, when granted the opportunity, by returning as soon as possible to the football team."
Ole Miss football star Hardy releases statement, says suspension due to 'lack of diligence'
By David Brandt
david.brandt@clarionledger.com
OXFORD — Greg Hardy is suspended from the Ole Miss football team but that hasn't stopped the standout defensive end from doing a little public relations work on the side.
Hardy e-mailed a press release today to four newspapers that cover the Rebels, saying he wants to return to the team.
Ole Miss officials, who have a policy that player interview be pre-arranged by the school, said they were aware of Hardy's statement and support its message.
In the statement, sent via Hardy's personal Ole Miss e-mail account, Hardy said he has done nothing "illegal, immoral or unethical" and is working to regain the trust of coach Ed Orgeron and his teammates so he could return to the team.
Hardy, who has missed games against Auburn and Northwestern State, was suspended by Orgeron more than a week ago after "violating team rules."
In his statement, Hardy said the reason for his suspension was because of a "lack of diligence on my part with my coaches regarding meetings and practices."
Hardy has not been allowed to practice since the suspension though Orgeron said on Tuesday that Hardy might return for Ole Miss' next game, Nov. 17 at home against No. 2-ranked LSU.
Even after missing two games, Hardy still leads the Southeastern Conference in tackles for a loss per game and sacks.
Below is the full text of Hardy's statement:
"I would like to congratulate my teammates and coaches for last weekend's win over Northwestern State. It hurt me considerably to not be with my teammates to support them, and it is an even greater pain to not be on the field, performing with them and sharing in the victory.
"I fully understand my mistakes, and take complete responsibility, for any distraction or negative impact, my situation has caused.
"There has been speculation regarding the reasons and circumstances that led to my absence from the team. I want everyone to know that my absence does not involve anything illegal, immoral, or unethical. It is the result of miscommunication and lack of diligence on my part with my coaches regarding meetings and practices. I have taken full responsibility and am currently trying to prove to Coach Orgeron, the rest of the coaching staff, and my teammates that I can be relied upon to meet my commitments as a player, teammate, and student-athlete in general.
"During the past week, I have had much time to reflect. While I have matured significantly since coming to Ole Miss, I recognize that I still have some growing up to do. And I look forward to doing some tremendous things here at Ole Miss, while realizing the true blessings - and responsibilities - that come with being a student-athlete.
"My family has a proud tradition at Ole Miss. I plan to continue that tradition by working diligently in the classroom - continuing on pace to graduate ahead of my anticipated graduation date - and, when granted the opportunity, by returning as soon as possible to the football team."