Barring a successful appeal, the Cowboys are going to be without defensive end Greg Hardy for the first 10 games of the 2015 season after the NFL suspended the new member of the Dallas organization for engaging “in conduct that violated NFL policies in multiple respects and with aggravating circumstances” while with the Panthers last year.
The league found that Hardy violated the personal conduct policy by using physical force against Nicole Holder while in the presence of “powerful, military-style assault weapons” and that he failed to provide complete information to the league during its investigation. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued a statement about the suspension on Wednesday and showed support for the league’s decision.
“This suspension is something that we anticipated prior to Greg’s signing, and we respect the Commissioner’s ruling,” the statement reads. “Our organization understands the very serious nature of this matter. We will use our resources -- work closely with Greg and with the league -- to ensure a positive outcome.”
Hardy will be eligible to work out and practice with the team and he can play in their preseason games before starting the suspension. Hardy plans to appeal the ban, but, as of now, he won’t be eligible to play his first game with the team until they host his former team on Thanksgiving.