News: BR: Greg Hardy Reportedly 'Concerned' Cowboys, Missed Practice Last Week

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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy was fortunate to have the chance to play for America's Team, but his behavior has hardly rewarded owner Jerry Jones' investment in him.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Hardy "concerned" Dallas after he was late for last Thursday's practice, didn't call the team to inform it of his tardiness and forced the Cowboys to call around looking for him. Hardy wound up not participating because of an unspecified illness.

Hardy was found guilty of assault in a domestic violence incident in July 2014 but appealed the conviction and had the charges dropped this February. The 27-year-old was placed on the commissioner's exempt list and appeared in just one game last season.

The Cowboys signed Hardy this offseason and stuck with him as the league reduced his initial 10-game suspension to start the 2015 campaign to a four-game ban. In two contests with Dallas so far, Hardy has produced on the gridiron in registering three sacks. Off the field, red flags continue to fly.

His unsavory "guns blazing" remarks prior to his Cowboys debut were ill-advised, criticized and forced Jones to come to Hardy's defense, per SI.com's Melissa Jacobs. The Pro Bowler then blew off the media following Week 7's 27-20 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday and got into a heated dispute with injured receiver Dez Bryant on the sideline during that contest.

Hardy has caused Dallas considerable grief during his short time in a Cowboys uniform. He may soon run out of chances and wear Jones' patience thin, despite the latter's tendency to take chances on players with off-field issues in the past.

ESPN analyst Cris Carter weighed in on Jones' tolerance of Hardy's antics:

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports criticized Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett for not punishing Hardy:

Garrett has a tricky situation to handle. His team has now lost four straight, and while disciplining Hardy is an option, the veteran pass-rusher's agitation could become worse and impact the locker room in a negative way.

It appears up to the leaders of the team in Bryant and fellow injured offensive star Tony Romo to get Hardy in line. Otherwise, Hardy threatens to be a detrimental distraction for Dallas as it tries to claw its way into the NFC playoff picture.

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