Mecole Hardman addressed the recent allegations swirling around social media that he leaked the New York Jets’ game plans to opponents during his time with the organization.
“There were FALSE accusations made about me and MY CHARACTER! To set the record straight, I have never and would never leak game plans to another team,” Hardman posted to social media on Friday.
“I have never been a person to give an opponent an upper hand I always want to win no matter the circumstances!!!!!”
There were FALSE accusations made about me and MY CHARACTER! 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!!!!!
— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) March 1, 2024
Hardman signed with the Jets last offseason to be one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s top options in the pass game. However, he played sparingly in five games and was traded back to the Kansas City Chiefs in October.
On Wednesday, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported there was “validated belief” in the Jets’ locker room that Hardman leaked game plans to the Philadelphia Eagles and Chiefs before matchups last season.
New York cornerback Sauce Gardner and tight end Kenny Yeboah inferred a similar message on social media earlier this week, but both deleted their posts.
The Jets lost to Kansas City 23–20 in Week 4 and beat the Eagles 20–14 in Week 6. Hardman was traded to the Chiefs three days after the Jets’ win over Philadelphia.
Hardman played a small role in Kansas City’s offense but caught three passes in Super Bowl LVIII, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Now an unrestricted free agent, Hardman will look to sign with one of the NFL’s 32 teams. It just probably won’t be the Jets.