No More Hardy

The Story

Panthers’ DT Greg Hardy will not be returning to the team this season and although Dwan Edwards is sad to see him go, he understands the circumstances and supports the organization’s decision. Edwards believes that Jerry Richardson has the right to cut ties with Hardy in light of his recent domestic violence case. Although Hardy’s misdemeanor charges were dismissed last month, the decision to part ways was in the team’s best interest.

The Facts

• Last May, Greg Hardy was charged with assaulting and threatening to kill ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder at this condo after a night of partying.
• The charges were dismissed last month when prosecutors couldn’t get Holder to testify at the jury trial.
• District attorney Andrew Murray said Hardy paid Holder an undisclosed amount to settle any potential civil claims.
• Hardy still collected his $13.1 million last season (after only playing in one game).
• He became a free agent Wednesday and although he is awaiting word from the league regarding his punishment, he is reportedly drawing interest from a number of teams.
• Dwan Edwards on the other hand, signed a two-year deal Tuesday before the start of free agency.
• Edwards hopes that the Panthers will add a pass rusher in free agency (or the draft) to take the pressure off DE Charles Johnson in the absence of Hardy.
• Dwan was asked if this was his last contract and he responded with “I would definitely say this is going to be my last shot”, although he is hoping Cam Newton’s performance will help him up his negotiating power when the time comes.

Quotes

“That’s never a good topic to talk about when you talk about domestic violence and what happened. It’s tough. It seems like we as players and coaches and maybe even Carolina Panthers fans were the only ones that were punished.”

“He obviously still got paid, and now they’re still saying he hasn’t been punished. It’s a weird deal. But I understand Mr. Richardson and his feelings on that. I have a wife and two daughters as well, and you just can’t have that associated with your brand.”

“It’s bigger than football sometimes, bigger than wins and losses. I get that. I love Greg, and the time he was here, I think I helped Greg a lot. Just to see him improve was very (rewarding) to me and seeing him get paid. I’m very sorry the way stuff worked out.” – Dwan Edwards, Carolina Panthers defensive tackle.

C5’s Take

To use Edwards’ words, this is bigger than football, the wins, and the losses. I am happy to see Jerry Richardson recognize that having Hardy apart of the team affects the Panther’s reputation among the fans. Although Hardy’s talent on the field will be missed, the Panthers will no doubt fill his spot with an athlete who lives up to Carolina’s standards both athletically and morally.

Photos: Robert Lahser / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published March 13, 2015 at 12:42 AM with the headline "No More Hardy."