Signing Greg Hardy Could Make Jerry Jones A Hypocrite

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

According to Schuyler Dixon of Yahoo! Sports, it looks like ex-Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy was in Dallas Tuesday for a meeting with team personnel. The move by the Cowboys wasn’t a surprise when it comes to trying to enhance their sack production from the defensive line, as the Cowboys were very anemic in terms of that statistic. They totaled only 28 sacks in 2014.

There is little doubt talent like Hardy’s would be a big enhancement for Dallas and Jerry Jones has to be excited about that.

When it comes to Hardy’s off-the-field issues, however, the move by Dallas, and especially Jerry Jones, is a surprise. Hardy went through quite a legal battle in 2014 in which he was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend and communicating threats back in July as summarized by Mike Coppinger of NFL.com.

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Hardy appealed his sentence and conviction, and before that hearing settled out of court with the victim, who then refused to testify against him at his appeal hearing. This caused the charges to be dropped. But the fact remains that in the original hearing Hardy was convicted by his accusers testimony, which should be an issue for Jones.

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

When you take into account what Jerry Jones said about the Ray Rice case and domestic violence, it looks really bad for him if the Cowboys go ahead and sign Hardy. Via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News, “Jones said domestic violence is a matter he takes “very seriously.” Those statements would ring hollow if the Cowboys then turned around in the next few days and make Hardy a Cowboy. How can you say domestic violence is a serious issue to you but you are okay with someone who committed abuse against his girlfriend?

While it is true that Hardy’s conviction is nullified and he technically hasn’t been convicted of abuse, the NFL has left him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List pending an internal review of the incident. This is probably giving other teams in the NFL that might want Hardy’s talent pause in signing him. But unless NFL investigators can get the original accuser to come forward their case may be unprovable legally.

All of that shouldn’t matter for Jones and the Cowboys, however. They can’t ignore the fact that Hardy was originally found guilty of the crime, and just because he found a loophole to get the victim from testifying at his appeal shouldn’t mean Jones should pretend it never happened. This is his opportunity to stand behind his convictions and publicly stated beliefs, even if it means he loses out on improving his team.

Jones said domestic violence is a matter he takes “very seriously”_ Jon Machota, Dallas Morning News

Besides, if he signs Hardy and then the NFL investigation shows Hardy did commit abuse, Hardy would face a 6 game ban, effectively causing Dallas to commit a crucial position to a guy that could miss a third of the season. Not sound team building tactics.

Ultimately there is a lot to be hashed out both between Hardy and the NFL, as well as with Hardy and any potential suitor of his abilities. But if Jones doesn’t want to face Hypocritical and negative appearances, he should pass on Hardy now while he still can.

Potentially using a technicality to try and justify your actions down the road looks really bad and sends the wrong message to Jones’ team.

Next: Seattle Seahawks Interested In Greg Hardy

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