Bucs Can Survive Backlash of a Hardy Signing Mar 16, 2015 | 04:23 pmJustin Pawlowski@CommishOnline
Some Bucs fans seem poised to forget about Greg Hardy's past if signed by the Bucs.The Bucs have already lost Adrian Clayborn to the Falcons, Daquan Bowers is roaming around in free agency, and Michael Johnson has been released, so who plays defensive end for the Bucs in 2015?Jacquies Smith came on strong for the Bucs in 2014. Smith, 24, did not record his first of 6.5 sacks until week 9, and didn't start a game until week 10 of 2014. The potential of Smith is what likely has the Bucs being patient at defensive end. The Bucs also re-signed Larry English and Lawrence Sidbury as depth.That's about it for the Bucs at defensive end, which is why most of the Buccaneers' fans have been clamoring for one of the most talented, and troubled, players left on the open market.Greg Hardy has probably been the most intriguing case of free agency this year. Hardy is the example of a great player with great baggage.There were reports on Monday that the Cowboys were close to signing Hardy, but those rumors were quickly dispelled by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. Charles Robinson @CharlesRobinson No. Wherever Hardy goes, it's going to take patience. Lot of hurdles. RT @TylerSpenceRSEN do u see #Cowboys & Hardy getting deal done soon?3:00 PM - 16 Mar 2015 Charges against Hardy for domestic violence were dropped when Hardy and the alleged victim reached a civil suit agreement. The victim accused Hardy of throwing her in the bathroom and then on a futon filled with guns. That's when she says Hardy put his hands on her throat and threatened to kill her."He looked me in my eyes and he told me he was going to kill me," the woman testified on July 15. "I was so scared I wanted to die. When he loosened his grip slightly, I said just, 'Do it. Kill me.' "Hardy would deny the throwing and the threats, and said that the woman became angry when he refused to have sex with her.It's obviously a sad story, but one that Bucs fans have looked past with the prospect of possibly getting a player who could finally provide a much-needed threat off the edge. Louisville product @Brodie07Perry Wtf are the bucs doing, letting cowboys get Greg hardy, damn man they have to take chances. Smh @alkwest06 @scottyi6111:01 AM - 16 Mar 2015 Bill Hovencamp @Bucsmafia GregHardy to BUCS!#wishfulthinking10:25 AM - 14 Mar 2015 Gary king @KingGlking40 #bucs #buccaneers greg hardy and AP new qb Ray jay would sell out guaranteed11:02 AM - 13 Mar 2015 Hell, even Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report got into the excitement recently by saying the Bucs should sign Hardy."Having Hardy gets sacks to help the Bucs produce victories to gain more attendees will undoubtedly offset any fans that abandon their Pewter Pirates over principle. Most everybody loves a winner, and if Hardy turns his life around in Tampa Bay by being around great influences like head coach Lovie Smith, wide receiver Vincent Jackson and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who will be side by side with him on a daily basis, it will be a classic American redemption story. Legendary Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and NFL quarterback Michael Vick are prime examples of this."Even Pewter Report's poll on whether the Bucs should sign Hardy has had 1,261 people vote as of the time I'm writing this, and 90% of the voters said YES!!!Hardy has had his issues in the past and has been considered a "ticking time bomb" by some in Charlotte, but he produces on the field. So far, the most vocal Bucs fans on social media and message boards have shown they're willingness to look the other way as long as Hardy produces 10 or more sacks.Is it right? Probably not.Is it a fact? Unfortunately, that's the way our society operates.Follow Bucs Blitz on twitter: @TBBucsOnScoutlink
