Stephen A. Smith Defends Dallas Cowboys Signing Of Greg Hardy (Video)
Following the announcement that the Dallas Cowboys signed controversial free agent defensive end Greg Hardy on Wednesday, discussions as to whether America’s Team made the right and/or moral decision. And surprisingly, a voice in the media that has been often critical of the Cowboys in the past is now defending them.
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A commentator for ESPN’s First Take and an admitted Cowboy hater, Stephen A. Smith believes Dallas made the right call when they signed the 26-year old Hardy, who was convicted of assaulting and threatening to kill his girlfriend last year.
"“…I am incredibly comfortable with this deal for the Dallas Cowboys because, again there’s no risk and the potential for extreme reward,” Smith said during a segment on First Take on Thursday morning. “The reality of the situation is this: Let’s graduate as a society from constantly blaming, you know, people who had nothing to so with it just because they extend a hand to give somebody a second chance.”"
The longtime sportswriter and analyst continued by saying America is the land of second chances. And that in situations like Hardy’s, it all about him and not about the Cowboys’ organization or the NFL. Smith also emphasized that this is most likely Hardy’s last chance because of the league’s current stance on domestic violence.
"“According to the bench judge, during the bench trial, Hardy’s guilty. In our eyes, based on the testimony I read, as far as I’m concerned, he’s lucky he’s not in jail…But anyone who reads that testimony, there is no question that you walk away feeling like Greg Hardy is a vile, disgusting individual who needs to be dealt with, based on that testimony. Well, the NFL has rules and regulations in place. It calls for a minimum of a six-game ban for a first-time offender. And a lifetime ban for a second-time offender. The fact that you know have that policy in place to me is why everybody should relax, and be comfortable with the deal he just made with the Cowboys.”"
Smith reiterated that the deterrent for Hardy never to committed a domestic violence-related crime again has been put into place. And that the Cowboys have protected themselves with a contract that allows them to inexpensively break ties with the young player if he does. And that the team shouldn’t be criticized for giving Hardy a second chance or be blamed for his previous actions.
"“We may agree or disagree with the Dallas Cowboys decision. And you know, I’m a Cowboy hater. But that’s all in fun, we are talking about football. This is real life. Jerry Jones did not hit that woman. Stephen Jones did not hit that woman. You know, the Cowboys’ organization did not hit that woman. The NFL did not hit that woman. It’s Greg Hardy, according to her. So, let’s not act like ‘oh my Lord’ because they grabbed him for their roster it’s an indictment against them. In situations like this, that’s all about him. That’s not about the team.”"
You can watch the entire First Take segment below.