Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy took to Twitter to express regret after photos of his bruised former girlfriend were released. As a team-mate, I’m not sure I would want him in the locker room, especially as a distraction when you’re already losing.
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Since Deadspin released the photos there’s been quite the s@#%storm around the issue, with Jerry Jones saying the Cowboys never had access to those photos (reminding us of the Ray Rice case and the National Football League saying it never had access to the elevator video), but he and the organization continue to support the player. There are those who suggest that the charges being expunged from his record should mean it’s time to move on.
Police photos of Holder’s injuries show abrasions, welts, bruises and cuts on her shoulders, face, neck, arms, back and foot.
“I think his penalty in the beginning should have been a lot worse than it is; now, that it is over, I think the media won’t let it go; I mean I think the media is being too hard on him”, said Spencer Tuttle, a Panthers fan. “Condolences go out to the survivors of domestic violence”.
A judge later convicted Hardy for assault, but the charges were dismissed when Holder failed to appear for a second trial.
When the Cowboys gave up a decisive kickoff return in a loss to the New York Giants two weeks ago, Hardy barged into special teams coach Rich Bisaccia’s huddle before the next kickoff and had a physical confrontation with the assistant coach.
Jones said the team hadn’t seen the photos before signing Hardy to an incentive-laden $13 million free agent contract in March, but the Cowboys “were and are aware of the serious nature of this incident”. Hardy said she was drunk and fell down, according to Rapoport.
“We entered into the agreement with Greg fully understanding that there would be scrutiny and criticism”, Jones’ statement continued.
Hardy called 911 the night of the 2014 incident in Charlotte, telling police of an attack on him by his girlfriend. “It happens every eight seconds as we speak”.
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Smith has changed his tune about Greg Hardy.
