Former IU wide receiver James Hardy addresses his alleged altercation with father

[David Burkart]

The character issues of former IU wide receiver James Hardy seemed to be forgotten since he joined the NFL Buffalo Bills as a second round draft pick. But that all changed on Sunday afternoon.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m. Sunday, officers were called to the home of Hardy’s father, James W. Hardy II. A woman had called the police citing an altercation between a father and son in the backyard and, when she approached them, the son pulled out a black gun and fled the scene.

When police arrived, the father was identified as James W. Hardy II, while the son’s name—listed as a suspect—was removed from the report. According to Fort Wayne’s Journal Gazette, the police dispatch logs reveal the name of the son to be no other than James Hardy.

Hardy released a statement today, apologizing to fans and calling the entire incident a “misunderstanding.” Here’s the statement in its entirety:

“I realize what the public perception could be pertaining to this incident; however, that was not the reality of the situation,” Hardy said in his statement issued to Fort Wayne and Buffalo media. “This situation that has been blown out of proportion has been very hurtful and frustrating for me and my father. There was a misunderstanding and a misinterpretation of the situation.

“I would like to first apologize to the fans of Buffalo and the Bills organization for any distractions this may have caused. I would also like to apologize to my fans in Indiana and the children who look up to me because it has been hard on me and I know it’s been equally hard on them to hear something of this nature. I do understand that this opportunity with me being drafted by the Buffalo Bills is a blessing and a privilege and not a right. So I ask that my fans just continue to keep me in your prayers and I will continue to strive to be the best I can be on and off the field.”

The Journal Gazette later contacted Hardy’s father by phone. “Me and my son’s relationship is fine and anything (different) … is not factual,” said Hardy II. “Me and James’ relationship is fine.”

What’s going on here?! Talk about it in our IU football forums.

More coverage:
Hardy cites mix-up, apologizes to fans | The Journal Gazette
James Hardy: get it together | Indiana Daily Student
Bills WR James Hardy Releases Statement Regarding Reported Altercation w/ Father | Bills Gab