Tony Romo: Ray Rice, Greg Hardy deserve another chance

The Cowboys quarterback went on KESN-FM 103.3, ESPN’s Dallas FM affiliate, to discuss the controversial signing of defensive end Greg Hardy.

Tony Romo shared his first thoughts on the Greg Hardy signing since the controversial deal was made in mid-March. Romo expressed his belief that there is a demon inside all of us.

From Dallas Morning News:

"“I just think with some people, stuff ends up getting found out about and they have to deal with it and take responsibility for it, especially when you’re in the public eye. I just think that everybody deserves a second chance.”"

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For Greg Hardy it must be harsh living in the public eye, what with the increased responsibility and all. Hardy’s status as a scrutinized NFL player does not change the severity of his actions. He has a responsibility not because he is in the public eye but because he is a human being.

The Cowboys have endured a great deal of criticism for the signing of Greg Hardy on March 18th. A judge found the former Carolina Panthers pass rusher guilty of assault on a female and communication threats, and while the charges were dropped in February during a jury trial when the accuser did not attend, public opinion generally opposed Hardy.

Hardy’s trial came at a sensitive time for the league in the wake of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice’s assault on his girlfriend. The NFL mishandled that situation, at worst attempting to cover up the extent of Rice’s assault before video of the incident was leaked, and at best demonstrating gross incompetence at investigating a serious crime.

Romo continued:

"“Is he going to help us as a pass rusher? There’s no question. I think that we all know that because he’s a talented player he’s going to be afforded more opportunities in the National Football League.At the same time, even if he wasn’t, I still think Ray Rice and Greg Hardy deserve another chance, just because I feel like everybody has their skeletons in their closet. If everything was shown over everyone’s head, no one would be given a second chance. That’s part of the way I think we think.”"

The sentiment here is noble; Romo truly believes that both Hardy and Rice deserve to be rehabilitated. But this isn’t about what goes on inside Hardy’s head, it is about his actions.

A football field is no substitute for therapy. If Hardy or is going to be rehabilitated, it will happen with time away from football.

Hardy’s singing is signifying that if you are a good enough player, domestic violence won’t have any consequences on the field. The Cowboys clearly didn’t sign him to help fight domestic violence, but instead to help them win football games. But it is hard to stomach them spinning it like they’re rehabilitating him.

[H/T: Dallas Morning News]

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