Panthers Deactivate Hardy In Wake Of Domestic Violence Conviction

The NFL Panthers today deactivated DE Greg Hardy for their home opener against the Lions. Hardy was "convicted July 15 of assault on a female and communicating threats" (AP, 9/14). ESPN’s Cris Carter said of Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson, "He is the only owner of the 32 owners that has ever played in this league. Now if he doesn’t know what this league is standing for, who else would know?" (“NFL Countdown,” ESPN, 9/14). The N.Y. Times' Andrew Das tweeted, "Panthers look ridiculous deactivating Greg Hardy today. Had months to do right thing, only now shamed into it."

Meanwhile, Ray Rice was at New Rochelle High School in New York yesterday "to see his former high school football team play." He "was greeted warmly at the game while walking onto the sideline" with his wife, Janay, and daughter, Rayven (Baltimore SUN, 9/14).