The NFL cut Greg Hardy's suspension from ten games to four, which means he will hit the field for Dallas sooner rather than later.

Hardy's original ten-game suspension came for "conduct detrimental to the league." The suspension was upheld but reduced by more than half. Arbitrator Harold Henderson spoke through NFL Media's Albert Breer to deliver this message:

"I find that the conduct of Hardy clearly violates the letter and spirit of any version of the (personal conduct policy) since its inception, and of the NFL Constitution and Bylaws long before then. The egregious conduct exhibited here is indefensible in the NFL," Henderson said. "However, ten games is simply too much, in my view, of an increase over prior cases without notice such as was done last year, when the 'baseline' for discipline in domestic violence or sexual assault cases was announced as a six-game suspension."

Hardy's charges for domestic violence were dismissed in court after he was initially convicted, but the details that emerged during the case were very disturbing and required immediate action from the league. It appears the NFL decided they came down too hard, too swiftly and out of the normal guidelines for punishment in these cases.

Hardy and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, haven't ruled out further legal action as well. When it comes to missing game checks, money talks. There are many ways to interpret this situation ethically, morally and financially. It appears Hardy and Rosenhaus are only concerned with the last part.

Despite whatever resentment you may foster as a fan or a human being, Greg Hardy will suit up (along with Rolando McClain, suspended four games for violation of the league's substance abuse policy) for the Dallas Cowboys come Week 5 against the New England Patriots.

The Cowboys need a pass rush, and Hardy will help. It still doesn't make the reduction in suspension any more palatable. After reading the details in his case, it's hard to look at only a four game suspension and let it rest easily in the stomach. Rules are rules though, especially when it comes to protecting "the shield."

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