CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers have removed Greg Hardy from the team’s active roster until the Pro Bowl defensive end’s domestic violence case is resolved.
Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said Hardy will continue to be paid and is allowed to be at the team facility, but will not practice. Hardy earns more than $770,000 each week during the regular season.
The Panthers announced the decision Wednesday to place Hardy on the exempt-commissioner’s permission list just hours after the Vikings took a similar disciplinary approach with Adrian Peterson, who is addressing child abuse charges in Texas.
Hardy was convicted July 15 of assault on a female and communicating threats after the victim claimed the 6-foot-4, 275-pound player threw her in the bathtub and onto a sofa covered with guns before threatening to kill her. Hardy is appealing the ruling and a jury trial is set for Nov. 17.
Gettleman said it was a tough decision given the changing climate in the NFL.
“We have attempted to be thoughtful about this, but there is no rule book for this,” Gettleman said. “Our overriding goal has always been to do the right thing.”
The GM said he expects Hardy to be out at least through November.
“I understand that I need to step away from football right now and take care of this legal matter,” Hardy said in a statement. “I am entitled to due process and my day in court, and that’s where my focus should be. I appreciate the Panthers for giving me this opportunity and look forward to being back with my teammates. I am disappointed to leave my teammates and the Carolina Panthers during our season. My decision to take a leave of absence allows me to focus on my family until the legal process has run its course.”
The NFL Players Association released a statement Wednesday saying, “Today, Greg Hardy made a decision to take a voluntary leave of absence to resolve his pending legal issue. The NFLPA and NFL worked with Greg, his representatives and the Carolina Panthers on this matter. We support this decision and hope the best for him and his family.”
Photo via Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports Images
