The NFL is "considering intervening" in Panthers DE Greg Hardy’s domestic abuse case, either to "advise the Panthers in the handling of it or to take action against Hardy," according to Joseph Person of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Panthers sources said that they have "not heard from the league and are continuing their investigation into the domestic violence charges against Hardy." Panthers coach Ron Rivera on Monday said that Hardy "will practice this week, and the Panthers will decide later whether to let him play" Sunday against the Steelers. But the league "could step in and take action, particularly in light of the public and corporate pressure NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is feeling for his handling" of the Ray Rice case (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/17). In Charlotte, Tom Sorensen wonders why Rivera has been "charged with representing the team" during the Hardy case. The decision to deactivate Hardy for last Sunday's game against the Lions "was made by Rivera" and GM Dave Gettleman, but Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson "certainly was involved." Sorensen: "Where were Gettleman and Richardson?" Neither man has "addressed the issue," and neither has "explained the decision" to play Hardy in the opener or sit him last week (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/17).
TIME TO SPEAK UP: In a special to the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, Charlotte-based WBT-AM host Keith Larson notes Richardson "hasn't spoken directly about it or answered questions" about Hardy despite his "tears at the Echo Awards." Panthers President Danny Morrison also has "had nothing of substance to say." Larson: "Loyal fans, PSL holders, and advertisers whose support has made the Panthers ... deserve better" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/17). ESPN’s Mike Greenberg cited a source as saying that the Vikings' decision about Adrian Peterson has "given Carolina 'more to consider'" regarding Hardy. He said, "They're considering it based upon what Minnesota decided to do. Where's a decision? Where are you, Jerry Richardson, in this? Do you want to just cry publicly, but then are you waiting to hear what happens from now? Because Adrian Peterson is involved in circumstances that could not be more different. They have nothing whatsoever to do with what has happened with Greg Hardy except that there is a public outcry in both cases. That has given you more to consider? Why?” ESPN’s Mike Golic said, “You look bad and then you make yourself look worse.” He said of Richardson, "It's embarrassing what your team is doing right now. Embarrassing. And you own the team.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter characterized the Panthers as "more followers than leaders in this situation." Schefter: "They did take their cue from situations and events that happened across the league, and, yes, they’ve been behind." But he added, "Better to be behind and get it right than be behind and get it wrong” (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 9/17).
