Hardy Suspension Reduced To 4 Games
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy had his NFL suspension reduced from 10 games to four by an arbitrator.
The NFL announced Friday that arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld Hardy’s suspension for conduct detrimental to the league, but reduced the number of games on appeal.
“After consideration of all the record evidence and arguments, I conclude that the Commissioner acted within his authority and properly exercised his discretion in finding that Hardy violated the NFL Personal Conduct Policy,” Henderson said in a statement.
“I find that the conduct of Hardy clearly violated the letter and spirit of any version of the PCP since its inception, and of the NFL Constitution and Bylaws long before then. The egregious conduct exhibited here is indefensible in the NFL.
“However, 10 games is simply too much, in my view, of an increase over prior cases without notice such as was done last year, when the ‘baseline’ for discipline in domestic violence or sexual assault cases was announced as a six-game suspension.”
Hardy will be permitted to take part in training camp and preseason games. The suspension will begin Sept. 5.
Hardy and the NFL Players Association appealed the suspension under the basis that he was punished under the new personal conduct policy rather than the old one which was in place when the alleged violation occurred.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that agent Drew Rosenhaus, the NFLPA and Hardy’s lawyer will consider their options before deciding how to proceed and whether to accept the reduction.
“Still considering further legal action,” Rosenhaus said.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Hardy in April following a
two-month investigation by the league into Hardy’s domestic violence incident last year involving ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder. The charges against Hardy were eventually dismissed after Holder refused to cooperate with the Mecklenburg (North Carolina) County district attorney’s office.
The NFL pushed to get photos and details of the attack from investigators and was allowed to view pictures and physical evidence.
Goodell said the evidence — including “hands to the head, hands to the neck” — was a major part of the case against Hardy, who met with the NFL twice during the league’s investigation.
Hardy played only one game last season but received $13.1 million from the Carolina Panthers. He was placed on the inactive roster in Week 2 and then put on the commissioner’s exempt list before Week 3.
Hardy signed with the Cowboys to an incentive-laden one-year deal in March. The deal for the former Pro Bowl player carries a salary of $750,000, but he could earn as much as $13.2 million, according to reports. Hardy will be paid $578,125 per game when he is active.
“We are looking forward to the start of the season and having Greg be a part of the team,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement Friday.
