Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardyhad his suspension reduced from 10 games to four on appeal by arbitrator Harold Henderson, the NFL announced Friday.
The NFL initially suspended Hardy in April for what it deemed to be multiple violations of the league’s personal conduct policy during an incident with a former girlfriend in the spring of 2014. The charges against Hardy were eventually dismissed after Nicole Holder refused to cooperate with the Mecklenburg (North Carolina) County district attorney’s office.
In July 2014, Hardy was found guilty by a judge of assaulting Holder and threatening to kill her. He received a 60-day suspended sentence and 18 months’ probation on misdemeanor charges but appealed the judge’s ruling in favor of a jury trial. The case was dismissed in February when Holder chose not to cooperate with authorities after receiving a settlement from Hardy.
Like law enforcement, the NFL was unable to interview Holder but was provided with photos and other materials for its independent investigation that concluded Hardy used physical force against Holder in “at least four instances.”
The league also said Hardy failed to provide complete and accurate information to NFL investigators and staff and that Hardy’s attorneys did not provide a copy of the settlement with Holder or acknowledge that an agreement exists.