PWInsider - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

 
 

FORMER XFL STAR ROD 'HE HATE ME' SMART MISSING

By Mike Johnson on 2019-06-18 12:50:00

Numerous media reports in the Charlotte, North Carolina area are spreading the word that Torrold Rod Smart, perhaps the best known XFL player from the original 2001 incarnation of Vince McMahon's football league, has been missing for a week.  Police are seeking the public's help in locating Smart, who was best known for wearing a jersey emblazoned with "He Hate Me" in the original XFL.

“Family and deputies have concerns about his well-being and safety,” said Doug Barfield, spokesman for Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to The State.com. The Sheriff's office is listing Smart as "endangered" and noted that he has been out of contact with his family far longer than usual.

Smart played for the Las Vegas Outlaws in the original XFL, using the "He Hate Me" term on the back of his jersey as the league was allowing freedom of expression beyond just the last name of the players at the time.  During a 2004 interview with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Smart explained why he used the term, noting, "Basically, my opponent is going to hate me. After I win, he's gonna hate me. It is what it is. It's a saying I was saying when I'd feel something wasn't going my way. For example, (when) I was on the squad in Vegas and coach was putting other guys in, (if) I felt I'm better than them, you know, hey, 'he hate me.' See what I'm saying? Give me a chance. That's all I ask. It came from the heart. Within. The way I felt. I feel as if everyone hates me, from my mom to my dad and even my brothers and sisters everyone "Hates Me". My buddy Greg Kates always used to use it, so I took it from him."

After his XFL run, Smart played for the Canadian Football League before making it to the NFL, playing for the Carolina Panthers. He also played briefly for the Philadelphia Eagles and was signed by the Oakland Raiders at one point before being cut. WWE filed a trademark on the "He Hate Me" term in 2017, noting that Smart was not associated with their new filing. He had previously held several trademarks on the term.

Smart was last seen on 6/12.  The Lancaster County Sheriff's office released the following:

PWInsider.com sends its best wishes to the Smart family at this time.

For more, click here.

Thanks to Kenny Graddick.

 

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!