Cowboys DE Greg Hardy Suspended 10 Games By NFL
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy has been suspended 10 games without pay, the league announced on Wednesday.
According to a statement by the NFL, Hardy was suspended for conduct detrimental to the league. He may appeal the decision within three days.
Sources tell 105.3 The Fan's Mike Fisher that Hardy plans to appeal, but he will be doing so to the same body that just handed down this penalty.
Last summer, Hardy was convicted of two counts of domestic violence against his former girlfriend in North Carolina. Though the charges were eventually dismissed, the NFL conducted its own investigation and determined that a league punishment was necessary.
"In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell, Hardy was informed that an extensive two-month NFL investigation following the dismissal of his case in North Carolina state court determined that there was sufficient credible evidence that Hardy engaged in conduct that violated NFL policies in multiple respects and with aggravating circumstances."
The investigation was led by Lisa Friel, a former prosecutor who is now the NFL's senior vice president and special counsel for investigations.
According to the league, the investigation involved numerous interviews with witnesses and experts, a review of court documents and photos, as well as opinions from medical experts.
The league says that it attempted to interview the victim, Nicole Holder, but was unable to do so.
The investigation concluded that Hardy violated the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy in at least four instances.
"First, he used physical force against her which caused her to land in a bathtub. Second, he used physical force against her which caused her to land on a futon that was covered with at least four semi-automatic rifles. Third, he used physical force against her by placing his hands around Ms. Holder's neck and applying enough pressure to leave visible marks. And fourth, he used physical force to shove Ms. Holder against a wall in his apartment's entry hallway."
Hardy, along with the NFL Player's Association, made a detailed presentation to the league on March 4. Hardy was also afforded the opportunity to respond to questions from investigators on March 10.
The NFL's investigation concluded that Hardy failed to provide complete and accurate information to league investigators.
"The net effect of these acts was that Ms. Holder was severely traumatized and sustained a range of injuries, including bruises and scratches on her neck, shoulders, upper chest, back, arms and feet," Commissioner Goodell wrote. "The use of physical force under the circumstances present here, against a woman substantially smaller than you and in the presence of powerful, military-style assault weapons, constitutes a significant act of violence in violation of the Personal Conduct Policy."
The alleged assault occurred before the NFL adopted a new policy against domestic violence; however, Commissioner Goodell noted that the punishment would have been appropriate under any version of the league's policy.
The Cowboys signed Hardy to a one-year deal based heavily on incentives this offseason. Much of the salary is earned through "roster bonuses" worth $578,125 for every game that he is on the active roster.
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.
The 10-game suspension — much larger than Dallas officials were counting on when they made their controversial free-agent signing — means Hardy's first game will be against his former club, the Panthers, on Thanksgiving.
"This suspension is something that we anticipated prior to Greg's signing, and we respect the Commissioner's ruling." a statement from Jerry Jones read. "Our organization understands the very serious nature of this matter. We will use our resources - work closely with Greg and with the league - to ensure a positive outcome."
The commissioner also warned that Hardy could be subject to further punishment if he violates any league policies while suspended.
"You must have no further adverse involvement with law enforcement and must not commit any additional violations of league policies," Commissioner Goodell wrote. "In that respect, you should understand that another violation of this nature may result in your banishment from the NFL."
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