Sophomore defensive end Greg Hardy did not make the trip to Auburn for Ole Miss’ game here this afternoon. Lan Hardy, his mother, confirmed the news in a telphone interview.

“He didn’t tell me any reason,” Lan Hardy said. “I’m not sure if the coaches gave him a reason.”

Hardy, the former Briarcrest Christian standout, entered the weekend as the SEC’s leader in sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (16). But by all appearances, he and coach Ed Orgeron have endured a topsy-turvy relationship this season. Orgeron has hinted that Hardy’s work habits lack consistency. Hardy is, without question, one of Ole Miss’ most talented players, but he has only started four of eight games this season.

In an interview last week, junior linebacker Tony Fein said Hardy has a unique personality.

“He skips to his own beat,” Fein said. “He’s a great football player. When he has to do the team things, he does. But he likes to do his own thing outside of the football team.”

Today, Hardy has no choice but to do things outside of the football team.