Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings placed a call to the Cowboys on Thursday to find out why the organization would sign a free-agent defensive end who's been accused of domestic violence. The simple answer is that former Panthers Pro Bowler Greg Hardy is an elite pass-rusher.
The Cowboys aren't going to take the moral high ground on this issue because it's so completely foreign to them. This is about obtaining a talented player on a team-friendly contract. Jerry Jones has made his statement on what he thinks of players who mistreat women. He forgives them if they're capable of sacking the quarterback.
Rawlings wasn't engaging in political grandstanding. He's been on the forefront of trying to curb domestic violence. This man wanted and deserved an explanation from his favorite team.
"At some point, being a sports fan gets trumped by being a father, husband, wanting to do what's right for women," said Rawlings.
"So this is not a good thing. I don't think I'm going to be buying Hardy jerseys anytime soon."
We talked to former Panthers general manager Marty Hurney on Thursday. He drafted Hardy in the sixth round of the 2010 draft. The defensive end made an immediate impact. Hurney pointed out a recent story suggesting that Hardy's former teammates wanted him back. Hurney's biggest gripe was that Hardy once injured himself riding a motorcycle.
Maybe Hardy will be a model citizen with the Cowboys, but that doesn't mean he should be here. Rawlings thought the Cowboys blew an opportunity to take a stand against domestic violence.
Jerry Jones instead rolled the dice on a troubled player. It's certainly not out of character for this owner.
The Cowboys long ago surrendered the moral high ground.
