Greg Hardy Pleads Guilty to Felony Drug Charge, Must Pay $500 Fine

Former Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy struck a plea deal on drug charges that will keep him out of jail. 

Per Fox 4 News, Hardy's plea deal dropped his felony drug charges down to a misdemeanor that requires him to "stay out of trouble, do community service and pay a $500 fine."

After receiving his punishment from the judge, Hardy said he is now looking to start getting his life back in order. 

"It went very well," he told Fox 4 News. "My lawyers did an awesome job. I'm just glad I have everything behind me so I can get back to work and get back to my life. I’ll continue to train and stay out of their way. Stay out of trouble and keep my head down."

Hardy was arrested in Texas last September for possession of cocaine after officers initially pulled him over for failing to signal before a turn, per TMZ Sports. He was indicted in November on one felony count of cocaine possession, with A.J. Perez of USA Today reporting the former Pro Bowler could be facing jail time and a fine. 

The 28-year-old Hardy last played for the Cowboys in 2015. He had a workout with the Jacksonville Jaguars last July but wasn't signed. 

In six NFL seasons, Hardy recorded 40 sacks and eight forced fumbles. His best season came in 2013 when he set a career high with 15 sacks to help the Panthers win the NFC South for the first time in five years.