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Today, we’ll be discussing Greg Hardy‘s suspension. The defensive end is currently slated to sit out the first ten games of the season and any day now we should learn about the resolution to his appeal. After all, arbitrator Harold Henderson heard Hardy’s case all the way back on May 28th and decisions rarely take a full month to come down.
You might remember Henderson as the same arbitrator that heard Adrian Peterson‘s appeal in late 2014. At the time, the player’s union was less than thrilled about his appointment.
“A long-time NFL Executive and current legal consultant cannot, by definition, be a neutral arbitrator,” the union said in a statement.
While a court eventually wound up siding with No. 28, Henderson initially held up Peterson’s indefinite suspension in December. The choice of arbitrator alone is enough to make one wonder if Hardy has much of a chance at reducing his suspension. The circumstances of Hardy’s incident, as outlined by the NFL’s letter to him, make the odds seem even more slim.
“First, he used physical force against her which caused her to land in a bathtub,” Commissioner Goodell wrote. “Second, he used physical force against her which caused her to land on a futon that was covered with at least four semi-automatic rifles. Third, he used physical force against her by placing his hands around Ms. Holder’s neck and applying enough pressure to leave visible marks. And fourth, he used physical force to shove Ms. Holder against a wall in his apartment’s entry hallway. The net effect of these acts was that [Nicole Holder] was severely traumatized and sustained a range of injuries, including bruises and scratches on her neck, shoulders, upper chest, back, arms and feet,”
The Cowboys reportedly anticipated a four-game suspension and, at maximum, a six-game suspension for their new star defensive end. The NFLPA, meanwhile, was reportedly getting ready to battle it out with the league if Hardy was suspended for anything more than two games. Hardy’s transgressions were undeniably ugly, but after sitting out all but one game in 2014, the union figured that Hardy had more or less served his time.
Ultimately, how do you think Henderson will see it? Will Hardy have his 10-game suspension reduced? Head to the comments section below to place your bets and voice your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
At one time, abuses like the Inquisition and the Salem witch trials were common. In many cases, people were punished solely on accusations or the whim of those in charge. In the 18th Century, the founders of this county designed a system in which there was a fact-finding protocol and defined rules in the determination of justice and administration of sanctions.
No one could “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”- 5th Amendment
Also “the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy & public trial by an impartial jury” – 6th Amendment
And, “the right of trial by jury, and no fact tried by a jury, shall otherwise be re-examined in any Court of the United States” – 7th Amendment
I would wager that the suspension will reduced if not totally eliminated. If anyone has a better way of handling “He said – She said” situations, I’d love to hear the solutions.
There’s evidence in Hardy’s situation that goes far beyond “he said, she said.” The NFL fought to gain access to photographic evidence relating to the matter and those helped to shape the initial 10-game sentence.
He could have the suspension lowered, but it probably won’t be because the accusations are found to be baseless.
Hardy has paid his dues if anything put safeguards in place such as indefinite suspension without pay for any future.transgressions
I think it’s true that regardless of outcome here, there will be a very ,very short leash on Hardy going forward. And, as awful as the details of the situation are, you can’t ignore that he has already sat out 15 games.