Is Hardy taking the reduction or going to court?

[USMarineVet]

And I think one that gives any challenges to that ruling a great case against it. Especially here. They had a policy for domestic violence - which by all accounts was being claimed - and now are trying to label that incident as something else in an effort to apply a more harsh penalty.

So, basically, the league is refusing to follow its own established rules.

Exactly. Which is why the term Conduct Detrimental to the League needs to be clarified.

 

[Merlin]

Unless there was an agreement not to fight the reduction, he should definitely appeal because this is much bigger than just his case. Four games is a substantial sum of money and the penalty should have been two games under the old policy. That is why his suspension was reduced. This Commish' Exempt List is a bunch of bull too.

 

[Garrettop]

Can't Hardy decide to not pursue it but the NFLPA pursue it for him instead? That seems like the more prudent move, and a delay may be indicating Hardy's camp trying to work that arrangement out.

 

[speedkilz88]

Ray Rice took part in a Pre Trial Diversion program that is usually reserved for first time offenders. He agreed to several stipulations including counseling and keeping his nose clean. That is a lot more than a 'not convicted' result. He also admitted his crimes to Goodell, just like Roethisberger did when he was suspended.

That is considered a plea deal, same as a conviction.

 

[speedkilz88]

Since when do you care the slightest about precedence when the league is doling out punishment???

I believe the maximum allowable fine of a player under the current CBA is $250,000 (it might be higher, I am not 100% sure). The union might not support a player taking a $3 million fine in lieu of suspension because that creates the precedent of giving players excessive fines in exchange for suspensions, essentially forcing them to work for free. (Yes I know Hardy didn't actually play those games last year, but that might not be relevant.... still sets a precedent the union might not want)

Judge Doty cares about precedence. FYI: Teams fine players game checks all the time.

 

[jobberone]

He's not going to take this lying down. He will appeal and apply muscle to get a favorable decision then sue for

 

[Merlin]

That is considered a plea deal, same as a conviction.

It is not the same thing. For one thing, it comes off your record after the terms are satisfied. Only certain people are eligible for another.

 

[Rogah]

Can't Hardy decide to not pursue it but the NFLPA pursue it for him instead? That seems like the more prudent move, and a delay may be indicating Hardy's camp trying to work that arrangement out.

While I believe they can file complaints and moves with the league office whether the player wants to or not, I don't see how they could go to federal court on the matter without Hardy's approval.

 

[Rogah]

Judge Doty cares about precedence. FYI: Teams fine players game checks all the time.

Teams do not fine players a full game check when that player's full game check is greater than the maximum allowable fine under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.