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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.Β “(That) violence against women should not be tolerated,” said one fan.Β “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.
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The Panthers originally indicated they would wait out Hardy’s appeal and a jury trial set for later this year.Β But a video showing former Raven Ray Rice punching his girlfriend inside an elevator, brought domestic violence issues front and center in the NFL.
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Wednesday, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson got emotional defending criticisms the team has been too slow act.Β “I stand firmly against domestic violence, plain and simple,” he said.
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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.Β “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.
