Cowboys DE Hardy Has Suspension Reduced To 4 Games
DALLAS (CBSDFW) -- Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy's suspension for his role in a domestic violence case has been reduced from 10 games down to 4.
He will be eligible to play against the New England Patriots on Oct. 11.
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Last summer, Hardy was convicted of two counts of domestic violence against his former girlfriend in North Carolina. The charges were later dropped when his accuser failed to show up for the appeal trial.
The NFL conducted its own investigation, including numerous interviews with witnesses and experts, and determined that a league punishment was necessary.
The alleged assault occurred before the NFL adopted a new policy against domestic violence; however, Commissioner Roger Goodell noted that the punishment would have been appropriate under any version of the league's policy.
Under the old policy, Hardy would be subject to a two-game suspension for his first domestic offense.
Independent arbitrator Harold Henderson heard the appeal in May. The suspension was upheld but reduced.
Hardy could pursue a further reduction by taking the case to court, though it's unclear if he will pursue legal action.
Hardy, 26, is a former All-Pro who signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal with Dallas that pays him on a per-game basis. The contract is billed as being worth $13.1 million but in fact Hardy will essentially earn $579,000 per game, according to 105.3 The Fan's Mike Fisher.
His suspension goes into effect Sept. 5, when final roster reductions are made. He will be allowed to participate in all preseason activities and offseason programs.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released the following statement on Friday.
"We are looking forward to the start of the season and having Greg be a part of the team."
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