Earlier this week, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. told reporters he would not return to his previous team, the New York Jets, during free agency. Hardman’s comments stirred up controversy on social media.
“We ain’t gon talk about how our offensive gameplan got leaked vs. the Eagles,” Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner tweeted, then deleted this week.
Others have reportedly claimed Hardman was responsible for leaking the Jets’ game plans after leaving the organization. Connor Hughes of New York’s SNY reported, “There was validated belief from the Jets that… Hardman, frustrated by his lack of usage, leaked game plans to the opposition, as implied by several players… Not just the Eagles game, but also the Chiefs.”
On Friday, Hardman addressed the accusations publicly.
“There were FALSE accusations made about me and MY CHARACTER!” Hardman wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “To set the record straight, I have never and would never leak gameplans to another team. I have never been a person to give an opponent an upper hand I always want to win no matter the circumstances!!!!!”
Morstead calls out former teammate for ‘entitlement’
Jets punter Thomas Morstead also seemed to call out Mecole Hardman Jr. this week, tweeting at reporters to “be careful getting information from disgruntled former employees.”
“Getting beat out by a rookie free agent after being guaranteed millions of dollars is tough to deal with,” Morstead posted. “Entitlement is a killer of opportunity. You have to earn it every year.”
Even if the claims of leaked game plans are true, the Jets ultimately defeated the Eagles in their October matchup for Week 6. With the potential scandal brewing between Hardman and the Jets, it seems highly unlikely that the two parties reunite.
After his trade from New York to Kansas City, Hardman tallied 17 catches for 129 yards and no scores. His big moment finally came, however, in Super Bowl LVIII.
Hardman finished the game tied for second on the team in all receiving categories. He totaled three receptions for 57 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Following the 25-22 overtime victory for Kansas City over San Francisco in Las Vegas, Jim Nantz put the mic up to Hardman as he spoke to each of the Chiefs. He asked the now three-time title-winning wide receiver how it felt to secure the victory in his own hands.
“Man, it feels great. I’m telling you,” Hardman said. “I blacked out when I caught the ball, though. It feels awesome”
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