The Cowboys are all in on a Super Bowl run, but will it be worth it if the city and fan base turns against them?
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings joined the growing list of people — denouncing the Cowboys for signing defensive end Greg Hardy, who has been accused of domestic abuse, calling it a “shot in the gut” for Cowboys fans.
“At some point, being a sports fan gets trumped by being a father, husband, wanting to do what’s right for women,” said Rawlings, who as mayor has made opposition to domestic abuse a high priority.
“So this is not a good thing. I don’t think I’m going to be buying Hardy jerseys anytime soon.”
Rawlings isn’t just talking — even going so far as to call team officials to ask them about the signing.
Rawlings says he “went out of his way to make his displeasure with the team known” — something uncommon for most big city Mayors.
Hardy was accused last year of choking his ex-girlfriend, throwing her onto a couch covered in assault weapons and threatening to kill her. A judge convicted him, but upon appeal for a jury trial, the charges were dismissed because prosecutors couldn’t find his ex, who didn’t show up in court.
Jones in company are banking on those 27 sacks Hardy produced over his last two full seasons, but the Cowboys owner says he understands the fans concerns.
“Our organization understands the very serious nature of domestic violence in our society and in our league,” the Cowboys owner said. “We know that Greg has a firm understanding of those issues as well.”
I hope he’s worth it.