Cowboys exec on Hardy signing: 'We don't believe in throwing people away'
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Charlotte Jones Anderson defended the signing of defensive end Greg Hardy despite criticism from local officials, including the mayor of Dallas.
Hardy was found guilty last July of misdemeanor domestic violence after being accused of hitting an ex-girlfriend. He appealed the conviction and was set to stand trial last month, but charges were dropped after his accuser reportedly could not be located by prosecutors.
Last week, the Cowboys signed Hardy to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $13.1 million with incentives. He remains on the commissioner’s exempt list and could still be disciplined under the league’s personal conduct policy.
[daily_cut.nfl]“We don’t believe in throwing people away,” Anderson, who is the daughter of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, said to the Dallas Morning News. “The experts have told us it is far better to provide a way out, coupled with educational and rehabilitative services and therapy. That does more to protect the victim and prevent future violence than a zero tolerance policy. We have to trust the advice of the experts.”
Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings criticized the signing of Hardy, saying it was “not a good thing” and “as a Cowboys fan, this was a shot in the gut.”
Dallas sportscaster Dale Hansen also ripped the team, calling out Jones and head coach Jason Garrett, referring to Garrett as a “hypocrite or puppet.”
“I’m a mom. I’ve got a daughter, I’ve got two sons,” Anderson said. “This is a serious issue for me, personally. I want my kids to know that domestic violence is not acceptable. But I also want them to know that if they make a mistake, no matter what the issue is, I’m not just going to throw them out. I’ve got to help them come back and make a better choice.”
- Scooby Axson
