Ron Rivera: Greg Hardy deactivated ‘in best interest of Carolina Panthers’
By Hayden Kane
The Carolina Panthers deactivated defensive end Greg Hardy before their game Sunday against the Detroit Lions. That move came after Hardy started in week 1 despite an alarming domestic violence conviction that is currently under appeal.
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Because of the fact that the “process is still playing itself out,” the Panthers had a leg to stand on by playing Hardy in week 1. The dynamics have changed over the course of the last week, of course, especially given the way in which the NFL and the Baltimore Ravens completely and utterly screwed up the handling of the Ray Rice situation.
Whether that was a factor for the Panthers with their decision or not is unclear. Speaking after his team’s victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, head coach Ron Rivera simply said that he deactivated Hardy in the best interests of the Panthers:
Rivera asked about decision to deactivate Greg Hardy: "I made the decision this morning
— Jim Corbett (@ByJimCorbett) September 14, 2014
Because it ws in best interest of Carolina Panthers
Ron Rivera said he made the decision after talking to Jerry Richardson and GM Dave Gettleman. Insisted it was his decision in the end.
— Jim Corbett (@ByJimCorbett) September 14, 2014
“Suspended pending investigation.” That happens in work places nationwide, everyday. This is the right call by the Panthers to deactivate Hardy.
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