Sources close to the Dallas Cowboys say the team never saw the photos that have been released of Greg Hardy’s then-girlfriend.
Greg Hardy has been a polarizing figure since he entered the NFL in 2010. Opinions started to turn against him after he was charged with two counts of domestic violence. He was suspended for all but one game during the 2014 season. His former team, the Carolina Panthers, chose not to re-sign him, making Hardy a free agent.
The Dallas Cowboys wasted no time in signing Hardy, as they agreed to a one-year $11.3 million contract in March. The following month, the NFL suspended him for the first 10 games of the season, but it was reduced to four games by an independent arbitrator.
Since then, the photos of Nicole Holder, his former girlfriend, have surfaced. If you do a quick Google search, you can find the photos. There are dozens of bruises all over her body. The Cowboys management seem to be the only ones who have yet to see these photos.
Via @DavidMooreDMN Sources say Cowboys didn't see photos before Hardy signing. https://t.co/nZkBRfRUXR But this: pic.twitter.com/Fe6vsQiipP
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) November 6, 2015
So, Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Jason Garrett all had an “understanding” of what the photos showed, but were still willing to sign Hardy to a deal? I guess they are a big believer in second chances.
While the NFL already handed out their punishment, the Cowboys brass still have a chance to right this wrong. Now that the photos have been released, now is the chance for the Cowboys to take this second chance they were given.
In a similar case, running back Ray Rice as suspended for two games by the NFL, but the Baltimore Ravens terminated his contract and Rice hasn’t seen the field since.
Neither the Cowboys nor Hardy have said a word about the photos.