It’s probably not the most effective investment strategy for a guy looking for a long-term contract, but Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy bought his way into a fan’s heart last night.
According to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News, Hardy refused to sign a Panthers helmet for a fan at an appearance last night, so he pulled a $100 bill out of his pocket and autographed it instead.
When 38-year-old Cowboys fan Jeremy Smith approached Hardy with the souvenir to sign, Hardy objected, saying: “No, I can’t do it.”
Hardy then went into his own pocket, wheeled a $100 bill out of a wad of cash, signed it “Kraken” and handed it to Smith. He’s apparently got a grudge with the Panthers, who paid him $13.1 million in 2014 for one game and a domestic violence arrest.
“I was a little irritated because I spent $37 on the mini helmet,” Smith said. “But he offset it by throwing down the $100 bill. I was a little surprised. It made me feel better.”
Hardy downplayed the gesture, saying: “That’s for the fans, man. You got to show love.”
Hardy’s probably going to have many more fans following him around how, and has won Smith over with his three sacks, interception and forced fumble since coming off suspension.
“He’s playing exceptional,” Smith said. “He plays with heart. He says what’s on his mind. I don’t have a problem with that. It may be a distraction, but I don’t care, he’s on our team, so I could care less.”
As long as the sacks and the Ben Franklins continue to flow, Smith’s probably not the only one willing to make that bargain.
