Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy and the NFLPA are reportedly "leaning toward" continuing their fight with the league over the player's four-game suspension. While Hardy's ban was already reduced significantly after an appeal, from 10 games to four, it seems Hardy and the union may not be satisfied and are likely to file a further appeal, according to ESPN's Jim Trotter.
Trotter actually reported the news earlier in the day on Wednesday, but incorrectly added that Hardy was facing a deadline of 4 p.m. today. His most recent report reveals that Hardy actually has 90-days to make a final determination.
Hardy's 10-game suspension was reduced to four games after arbitrator Harold Henderson deemed that, while Hardy's conduct "clearly violated the letter and spirit" of the NFL's personal conduct policy, 10 games was "simply too much" as an "increase over prior cases." Prior domestic violence discipline cases for the NFL usually held six-game suspension penalties. Combined with the 15 regular season games and two playoff games Hardy was forced to miss while with the Carolina Panthers in 2014, would have meant 27 missed games for the stud pass-rusher - though Hardy did get paid while on commissioner Roger Goodell's exempt list last year.
Considering the Cowboys finished last season 28th in the league in sacks, the potential for Hardy to return quicker could have a major impact on their prospects in 2015. Prior to his domestic violence charges, Hardy had put together back-to-back season of over 10 sacks, culminating in a phenomenal 2013 that saw him collect 59 tackles, 15 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed.
He signed a one-year, heavily incentive-laden deal with the Cowboys this offseason. Much of Hardy's salary for 2015 is tied to in-game roster bonuses, meaning he stands to make himself a lot of money by fighting the league and winning.
