Cowboys’ Greg Hardy will not fight four-game suspension, returns Week 5

When Tom Brady won his court case against the NFL, it suddenly opened the minds of many suspended players that perhaps they too were wronged and could get a makeup call in court.

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But Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy will not be one of them trying their luck a second time. Hardy issued a statement through the NFLPA on Thursday saying that he will accept his four-game suspension and not challenge it against the league in court.

“While I am terribly disappointed to miss the first four games of this season, I am absolutely determined that my issue is not going to be a distraction for the Cowboys,” Hardy said. “I have enormous affection and respect for everyone here, and having seen the impact a court case can have on an NFL organization, I believe it is in the team’s best interest for me to announce that I will not pursue any further litigation. Everything I do from this point on will be designed to bring glory and pride to my family, their family and this team.”

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Hardy initially was suspended 10 games stemming from a domestic violence case in 2014 when he was a member of the Carolina Panthers, and even though the case was dropped when the alleged victim refused to testify and work with prosecutors, it was considered a violation of the NFL’s personal-conduct policy. But after meeting with the league, Hardy — who signed with the Cowboys in the offseason — had his suspension reduced from 10 to four games.

It will stay at four; Hardy will return in Week 5 against the New England Patriots.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm