Greg Hardy maintains innocence in full interview with ESPN
Greg Hardy's controversial interview with ESPN's Adam Schefter aired in its entirety Tuesday afternoon.
As was included in the excerpts first released Monday, the free-agent defensive end maintained his innocence when asked about a 2014 domestic violence incident.
"I've never put my hand on any women … In my whole entire life, no Sir. That's just not how we're raised," Hardy said. "As you can tell, like I said again, it's the Bible Belt. It's just something that's, I wouldn't even say frowned upon, just something that’s nonexistent in most southern homes."
Hardy declined to explain exactly what happened during the incident, but he suggested the photos showing injuries suffered by his former girlfriend, Nicole Holder, don't tell the entire story.
"Pictures are pictures, and they can be made to look like whatever they want to," Hardy said. "I didn't say I didn't do anything wrong. That situation occurred and that situation was handled, but as a man you can't avoid situations that aren't your fault or are your fault."
Holder released a statement to ESPN following Hardy's interview, asking that the media respect her privacy as she looks to move forward with her life.
"I have worked very hard to distance myself from the media. I have relocated twice, changed my phone number more times than I can remember - I've even considered legally changing my name," she said. "In four weeks I will be graduating from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management. My focus is on finding a job, which has had its own unique challenges because of the news coverage related to my name. I am trying to move forward with my life and am asking the media to respect my privacy and wishes."
After sitting out all but one game in 2014 as the legal process took its course, Hardy landed with the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year, incentive-laden deal last spring.
The 27-year-old has remained unsigned a full month after once again becoming a free agent. It's unclear whether another team will be willing to take a chance on him going forward.