Panthers DE Greg Hardy could "still face a suspension" under the NFL's personal conduct policy that "gives the league latitude in disciplining players, even those who haven’t been convicted of a crime," according to Joseph Person of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Hardy yesterday had his domestic violence case dismissed because prosecutors "could not locate" his accuser. Hardy’s post-trial status "could follow a path similar" to that of Vikings RB Adrian Peterson. After Peterson "reached a plea deal in his case in late November, the NFL suspended him through at least April 15, a suspension that covered the Vikings’ final six games." Experts said that Hardy, like Peterson, "should not expect any credit for 'time served' on the exempt list, which amounted to a paid leave of absence." NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said that Hardy’s status "remains unchanged until NFL officials 'fully review the matter'” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/10). USA TODAY's Christine Brennan writes, "Basically, everything the NFL has accomplished on the issue of domestic violence over the past six months will be brought to bear on Hardy's case" (USA TODAY, 2/10).
BALL IS IN GOODELL'S COURT: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler writes the case being dismissed "doesn’t mean for sure Hardy is off the hook with the NFL, but I think it’s likely he will not be suspended." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could suspend Hardy "for conduct detrimental to the league without a conviction," but Hardy’s record is "now clear -- so that sort of suspension would undoubtedly be appealed and I doubt it would stick" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/10). ESPN’s Dan Le Batard said, “The Roger Goodell of old would have absolutely come in and not cared about the court case, not cared about the settlement and he would have legislated his own laws. But in this case, can Roger Goodell do that?” (“Highly Questionable,” ESPN2, 2/9). But ESPN's Michael Smith said, "If you’re Roger Goodell, you have to air on the side of coming down too hard as opposed to too soft” (“His & Hers,” ESPN2, 2/9). L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke said, "I say the NFL still comes down hard on Greg Hardy. He just had a paid vacation.” He added, “In this environment, the man cannot be representing your business without some kind of penalty.” ESPN’s Bomani Jones said, “I don’t think Goodell can afford to look like he’s going soft on domestic violence.” ESPN's Jackie MacMullan: "Players understand now that the climate has changed, especially when you’re talking about alleged domestic assault. I think they’d be prepared for it. Whether they like it or not is a whole other story” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 2/9). Meanwhile, FS1's Mike Garafolo noted there are "mitigating factors here, and that's the use of weapons." Garafolo said of punishment from Goodell for Hardy: "He could potentially go higher than that six-game threshold" ("America's Pregame," FS1, 2/9).
HARDY'S FUTURE: Hardy will become an unrestricted free agent next month, and the OBSERVER's Person cites sources as saying that the Panthers are "expected to cut ties" with him (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/10). But ESPN's Smith said NFL teams are "going to pay Greg Hardy a lot of money.” Smith: “I do think a team, given how few and far between premium pass rushers are, somebody is going to pay Greg Hardy and is going to have some uncomfortable conversations with their season-ticket holders, with their sponsors about why they are signing a guy with this on his unofficial record, maybe not his criminal record” ("His & Hers," ESPN2, 2/9).
