Greg Hardy says he’s never hit a woman in ESPN interview

Free-agent defensive end Greg Hardy said in an interview on Monday that he has never hit a woman.

In 2014 Hardy was involved in an incident with his former girlfriend Nicole Holder. Holder accused Hardy of throwing her against a bathroom wall, throwing her on a bed that was covered with assault rifles, choking her and threatening her life. As we previously reported, pictures show that Holder had bruises and welts covering her entire body. Hardy was convicted of domestic violence by a bench trial by judge. He appealed but the case was thrown out in February 2015 after Holder stopped cooperating with authorities. He denied hitting Holder and said that he has never hit a woman in an interview with ESPN.

"I've never put my hand on any woman," Hardy told ESPN. "In my whole entire life, no sir. That’s just not how we’re raised. 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. 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. Saying I did nothing wrong is a stretch, but saying I'm innocent is correct, sir.”

Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr., a former teammate of Hardy's, called him out on Twitter, saying that Holder must have tripped or something if Hardy didn’t hit her. Smith also said that he’s an advocate against domestic violence.

Hardy played for the Carolina Panthers for five years. Last year he had a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. He was suspended for the first four games last year due to the incident with Holder. He had six sacks with the Cowboys last year, according to Fox Sports. He has 40 sacks in his six-year career.

Hardy has not signed with a team and says that the backlash from the incident with Holder has contributed to him remaining unsigned. The interview will air on ESPN’s NFL Live on Tuesday.

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