Panthers’ Greg Hardy could face six-game suspension

By Henry McKenna | Aug 28, 2014

Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) sits on the sidelines during the first half of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Greg Hardy faces a six-game suspension from the NFL if his guilty verdict for domestic violence isn’t overturned on appeal. Considering the circumstances of the charge — and the punishment coinciding with Ray Rice’s punishment — his suspension will likely stand. The Carolina Panthers defensive end is an elite pass-rusher and the Panthers’ leading sacker (15).

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In direct response to the immense criticism from the Ray Rice situation — where the Ravens’ running back received a very lenient two-game punishment — the NFL is immediately implementing a six-game suspension for a first time offender on domestic violence and lifetime ban for those who commit a second.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They are never acceptable and have no place in the NFL under any circumstances,” Roger Goodell wrote, via NFL Nation.

“Our Personal Conduct Policy has long made clear that domestic violence and sexual assault are unacceptable. We clearly must do a better job of addressing these incidents in the NFL. And we will. Earlier today, I sent NFL owners a letter that identified specific actions we will take to improve our response to domestic violence and sexual assault.”

Hardy was found guilty of assaulting and threatening ex-girfriend Nicole Holder on an incident on May 13.

Via NFL Nation, General manager Dave Gettleman’s only comments on Hardy’s situation were that the allegations were very serious and it was “very concerning and very disappointing.”

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NFL page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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