Greg Hardy Reportedly Won't Appeal 4-Game Suspension: Latest Details, Reaction

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy is reportedly going to accept his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. 

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk broke the story of Hardy opting not to go through with his appeal and released a statement from the 27-year-old about his decision:

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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. 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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After New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had his four-game suspension nullified by an arbitrator, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reported that Hardy and the NFL Players Association were meeting to discuss possibly seeking an appeal for his suspension.    

In May 2014, Hardy was arrested and charged with assault on a female and communicating threats stemming from an altercation with his then-girlfriend. He appeared in one game with the Carolina Panthers last season before he was placed on the commissioner's exempt list. 

According to a February report from the Associated Press (via NFL.com), the prosecution dismissed Hardy's case after his accuser could not be located. 

In April, after Hardy signed with the Cowboys, the NFL suspended him for the first 10 games of this season without pay. Arbitrator Harold Henderson reduced the suspension to four games, citing past punishments for similar alleged incidents. 

With Hardy now deciding to serve his suspension, he will be eligible to return for Dallas' Week 5 game against New England. The former sixth-round pick was one of the NFL's best sack artists two years ago, finishing third with 15. 

The Cowboys will likely look to Jeremy Mincey, who had six sacks last year, with Hardy unavailable. Rookie Randy Gregory might see some time on the field as well to give Mincey a rest. Neither player can match Hardy in terms of talent, but the two should combine to give Dallas solid production in the pass rush.