The Carolina Panthers are having internal discussions about placing defensive end Greg Hardy on the NFL's exempt list, according to ESPN. Earlier today, the Minnesota Vikings placed Adrian Peterson on the exempt list following charges of child abuse, barring him from all team activities.
Hardy was found guilty of domestic abuse in July after assaulting and threatening ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder. After playing in the Panthers season opener, Carolina deactivated Hardy against the Detroit Lions on Sunday due to mounting scrutiny facing the team.
On Monday, Panthers coach Ron Rivera told media that he was concerned about the situation "because it becomes a distraction." Rivera said that the organization was still in the process of making a decision regarding Hardy's status for the team's upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"We're in a situation where we're going to go through this week and evaluate the circumstances and situation," Rivera said Monday. "In light of a lot of things that have happened, we're going to continue to gather information. This is a fluid situation, and we'll see what happens.''
If placed on the NFL's exempt list, the Panthers would not have to play Hardy, but they would still be required to pay him his full salary. Hardy is scheduled to make just over $13 million this season.
The star defensive end has appealed the conviction and has a jury trial scheduled to begin in November. If the sentence is maintained, Hardy will face 60 days in jail and 18 months' probation. The NFL is reviewing Hardy's case as well, while the legal process plays out. The league hired former New York prosecutor Lisa Friel as a special consultant earlier this week.
