Mecole Hardman, the top-notch NFL wide receiver, recently grappled with controversy over his previous trade from the New York Jets to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mecole Hardman denies talking to Chiefs before trade after saying he talked to Chiefs before trade https://t.co/Uul1yys413 pic.twitter.com/90YtmxDa3m
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 28, 2024
Appearing on The Pivot podcast, Hardman portrayed a dismal picture of his time with the Jets and made a startling claim about his trade to Kansas City.
Hardman described the New York Jets’ offensive ineptitude and an absence of planning, particularly following the injury of their key player, Aaron Rodgers.
An intriguing detail reported by ESPN correspondent Rich Cimini during Hardman’s interview was Hardman’s comment, “Once I got the feeling that KC wanted me back,” subtly implying pre-trade talks with the Chiefs.
“I’m telling you right now, I was so checked out,” Hardman said. “Like, it’s over. I already talked with (Kansas City general manager Brett) Veach and Pat (Mahomes). Like, ‘Hey, come get me, boy. What y’all doing? What are we talking about? Man, come get me.’”
This revelation led to accusations of potential violation of the NFL’s Anti-Tampering Policy. Hardman’s encouragement to Chiefs GM and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to “come get me” directly contradicts the stringent NFL rules prohibiting member clubs from interfering with existing player-team contracts.
Upon realizing the implications of his comments, Hardman rushed to Twitter to refute his own words.
He insisted that his apparent plea to Kansas City authorities to “come get me” was misunderstood, and that he hadn’t discussed his trade with the Chiefs before the decision was formalized.
Never had talks with KC before the trade, so we can CLEAR THAT UP! The Jets handled my trade on their own and did the right thing by sending me back to KC! https://t.co/W5A1uYXsM1
— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) February 28, 2024
Despite the brewing controversy, Hardman’s career saw a positive turn post-trade. He rejoiced a Super Bowl win with the Chiefs, positioned himself as a valuable team player while pointing out his limited opportunities with the Jets.
Hardman continued to underline his non-involvement with KC before the trade, but his flip-flop statements on a recorded podcast raise serious questions.
He left the audience, the media, and the NFL fraternity in a confused state about the truth behind his trade.
Consequently, due to Hardman’s disengagement, the Jets traded him soon after securing a 3-3 record.
Despite the controversy, Hardman’s performance in Kansas City indicated why his consistent playtime had been reduced in the Jets, especially his responsibilities as a punt returner.
While Hardman understandably wishes to present the best image of his professional conduct, playing the “I didn’t say what you heard me say” game regarding a recorded podcast only fans the flames of this controversy.
His words have cast a long shadow over his pre-trade conversations, raising multiple questions about the truth that all NFL enthusiasts are eager to learn.
