Matthew Fabian
This NFL season has been filled with issues that lead to major “elephant in the room” moments.
From Roger Goodell appealing his own decision to suspend Tom Brady in a federal court, and losing, to Sheldon Richardson being pulled over for going 143 mph with his nephew in the car, none have taken up more space than Greg Hardy coming back to a NFL field.
For background purposes, Hardy was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and threatening to kill her. Bluntly, Hardy beat his girlfriend to within inches of her life. He even threw her on a couch full of rifles. According to Nicole Holder, Hardy’s girlfriend, told ESPN that, “He looked me in my eyes and told me he was going to kill me.” Hardy’s conviction did not last long, as it was overturned in February of this year after Holder did not show up in court. There are conflicting reports as to why Holder did not show up in court.
In short, Hardy got away with his actions. Holder was likely in fear of her life to testify against the Pro Bowl defensive end. Hardy could officially be cleared of legal actions, but he still had to deal with his employer in the NFL.
The Hardy story, as with all of the other NFL’s black eyes, went away. The story shrunk and it quickly became old news. Completely fell out of the national ire, until this past weekend.
Cameras captured Hardy on the sidelines getting into a physical altercation with an assistant coach from the Cowboys. Clearly upset about the kick return for touchdown the Cowboys just gave up; he exchanged words with the coach and then knocked the clipboard out of his hand. Everything about the episode showed the nation what kind of monster Hardy can be. He intervened a team huddle, which he had nothing to do with, and showed physical intimidation to a person in a position of authority. After the game, Hardy dismissed every question he was asked with, “no comment, next question” and Jerry Jones claimed it provided the world with an inside look at Hardy’s competitiveness.
Hardy should have never been signed, and should not be in the league today. The cowards involved are to blame. First, Hardy is a complete coward for attacking his girlfriend in the first place, and the extent to which he did indicates he should be in a jail cell or six feet under ground. Hardy is not a responsible individual that owned up to his actions, and in fact ran in a corner and hid behind the massive popularity of the NFL shield. Next, the spineless Roger Goodell refused to hand Hardy a more substantial punishment. Four games? For borderline attempted murder? Oh, I am sure Greg learned his lesson with his $11 million contract. Hardy should have, and should be, suspended indefinitely with no chance of reinstatement. Finally, Jerry Jones and company is to carry blame. They enabled Hardy and it is starting to show. Did they institute a no tolerance policy? Of course not. Are his actions under strict scrutiny from front office leadership? Not a chance.
The NFL cowardice is ceasing to amaze me. It starts with the precedent of allowing scum human beings to represent your image, and that starts with players like Hardy.
Congratulations Hardy, Goodell and Jones. You all will eventually answer to your grotesque actions. My hope is that means a lighter checkbook and even criminal proceedings. Best of luck to you all, the bottom feeders of society.
