Anti-Domestic Violence Advocates React To Greg Hardy As A Possible Cowboy
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DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) - Reports that the Dallas Cowboys may acquire defensive end Greg Hardy are not sitting well with those who advocate against domestic violence.
Genesis Women's Shelter and Support along with the Dallas Police Department are hosting the 10th Annual Conference on Crimes Against Women at the Sheraton this week.
Hardy had a stellar record playing for five seasons for the Carolina Panthers. But he was convicted last year of assaulting and threatening his ex-girlfriend. Hardy appealed and the case was dismissed when his accuser could not be located to testify.
Jan Langbein, the CEO of Genesis, says the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL should have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to domestic violence.
"To reward anyone who has perpetrated violence, is wrong. To overlook violence that has allegedly happened just because charges were dropped, doesn't mean it didn't happen," says Langbein. "I think we as a society have to have zero tolerance," she adds.
Dallas Police Lt. Miguel Sarmiento with the Crimes Against Persons Division says victims often do not show up to testify. "You can't judge them. They have to make their best decision to survive."
Sarmiento will not discuss the Hardy case, but says victims often do not testify because they are afraid of more violence, or some move and go into hiding and don't want their whereabouts known.
"It's not uncommon. We see a lot of that in Dallas" says Sarmiento.
The Dallas Cowboys reported interest in Hardy is being discussed by those attending the conference. 1,600 people have registered including law enforcement officials, prosecutors and advocates who work for non-profit organizations.
CBS 11 News tried to get contact the Cowboys spokesperson, but no one from the team returned our request for a comment.
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