I will be the first to say that I was not an advocate to obtain Hardy and I still think the probability is
that this guy will haunt the Cowboys in the end. That being said, they structured his deal to have
minimum financial impact if he doesn't get to play. I don't think the Commissioner cares about
guilt or innocence in this deal as public opinion and NFL advertisers want blood and their pound
of flesh.
Now, do I think Hardy will have his suspension reduced... Yep, probably to 4 or 5 games. I also think
Hardy will appeal that arbitration ruling to Judge Doty. Doty could keep it at 4 games or reduce it to
2 games based on the old rules. This new tact floated by the NFL that they view the episode as 4 separate
instances of rule violation rather that 1 is obviously an effort to skirt the Ray Rice opinion. I think the NFL
may appeal a Doty ruling to the 8th circuit court and keep Hardy on an exempt list while the case meanders
which would in effect leave Hardy on the sidelines for most of the season. TV advertisers and sponsors drive
the money in this sport and money talks when they want action. Just saying!