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CHARLOTTE, NC – The Panthers, bending to outside pressure, deactivated Greg Hardy hours before Sunday’s game. “The league has to take a stand, the team has to take a stand,” says Northwest Charlotte resident Jerome Hill.
Fans say the move sent a strong message. “(That) violence against women should not be tolerated,” said one fan. “Because I think if one team is gonna do it, I think everybody in the NFL needs to do it,” said another.
A judge found Hardy guilty of domestic violence back in July. Hardy’s ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder says Hardy threw her in a bathtub, choked her, and threatened to kill her.
The Panthers originally indicated they would wait out Hardy’s appeal and a jury trial set for later this year. But a video showing former Raven Ray Rice punching his girlfriend inside an elevator, brought domestic violence issues front and center in the NFL.
Wednesday, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson got emotional defending criticisms the team has been too slow act. “I stand firmly against domestic violence, plain and simple,” he said.
And in a testy exchange with reporters after Sunday’s game, Coach Ron Rivera says he made the decision because its in the best interest of the organization. “This is a very difficult situation that the league is dealing with right now. Teams are dealing with this and we’re doing the best we can,” Rivera says.
