NFL to review domestic violence court file of Panthers’ Hardy

The NFL reportedly will review Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy’s court file as part of the investigation to determine whether he violated the league’s personal-conduct policy.

Hardy’s domestic-abuse case was abruptly dismissed Monday because his accuser could not be found to testify at the trial in Charlotte, N.C. The prosecution said repeated attempts to reach Nicole Holder, Hardy’s ex-girlfriend, failed and the domestic violence charges were dismissed.

The district attorney’s office said Monday it has “reliable information” that Holder and Hardy have reached a civil settlement.

The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday that NFL outside advisor Lisa Friel and the league staff will review Hardy’s court record as part of its investigation.

The league office declined comment when Pro Football Talk asked whether the league will be requesting from Hardy a copy of the transcript from the 2014 bench trial at which the alleged victim showed up and testified.

Hardy was convicted last summer of assaulting and threatening to kill his former girlfriend. He appealed the ruling and was assigned for a jury trial that was to start Monday morning at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in Charlotte.

Hardy requested the jury trial on July 15 after Mecklenburg District Court Judge Rebecca Thorne Tin found the 2013 Pro Bowl player guilty. Under North Carolina law, his appeal set aside the guilty verdict.

Hardy played only one game last season but received $13.1 million from Carolina after being designated with the franchise tag in February. He was placed on the inactive roster in Week 2 and then put on the commissioner’s exempt list before Week 3 until his case was resolved.

On Monday, an NFL spokesman said Hardy’s status with the league “remains unchanged until we fully review the matter.”

The Panthers later released a statement: “We are aware of the decision by the district attorney’s office to dismiss charges against Greg Hardy. Greg remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and the NFL has advised us to allow it to complete its review under the Personal Conduct Policy. There is no change in his status at this time.”