Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy saw his domestic abuse trial postponed until after the end of the NFL season, which means that he’s likely going to stay on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list for the rest of the year.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with that the commissioner’s exempt list is, it pretty much equates to paid leave. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is also on the list.
This doesn’t seem to be sitting well with Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, who indicated that because Hardy has been away from the team for six games (standard first offense for a suspension under new domestic violence policy), that he should be allowed to return to the team (via ESPN.com).
In so many words, yes,’’ he said. “If things had all transpired and gone a certain way, then his availability might be now.
The major difference between being on the commissioner’s exempt list and being suspended is money. Under a first-time domestic violence suspension, players wouldn’t be paid for the six-game suspension. As it relates to Hardy, he has already earned over $4.6 million while being away from the team.
This all goes back to the due process debate that is engulfing the league and the NFLPA as they attempt to draw up a new personal conduct policy.
Unlike other cases, Hardy was already found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. He has since appealed and is awaiting a new trial.
Photo: USA Today