NFL Report: Cowboys Greg Hardy Suspended for 10 Games

The NFL has suspended Dallas Cowboys Greg Hardy for 10 games. The defensive end, who just signed a one-year deal in March, had violated the personal conduct policy, the league concluded in their investigation.

The official news release read:

"The NFL's investigation concluded that Hardy violated the Personal Conduct Policy by using physical force against Nicole Holder in at least four instances. First, he used physical force against her which caused her to land in a bathtub. Second, he used physical force against her which caused her to land on a futon that was covered with at least four semi-automatic rifles. Third, he used physical force against her by placing his hands around Ms. Holder's neck and applying enough pressure to leave visible marks. And fourth, he used physical force to shove Ms. Holder against a wall in his apartment's entry hallway.

The net effect of these acts was that Ms. Holder was severely traumatized and sustained a range of injuries, including bruises and scratches on her neck, shoulders, upper chest, back, arms and feet. The use of physical force under the circumstances present here, against a woman substantially smaller than you and in the presence of powerful, military-style assault weapons, constitutes a significant act of violence in violation of the Personal Conduct Policy."

Hardy will reportedly appeal the ruling. If he does not win the appeal, his first game would be on Nov. 26 against his former team, the Carolina Panthers.

Hardy was found guilty of threatening and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Nicole Holder in July 2014. As a result of his conviction, he received a 60-day suspended sentence and 18-months of probation on misdemeanor charges. Hardy appealed the ruling and the case was dismissed in February after the victim decided to settle and stopped cooperating with the authorities.

The decision came after an "extensive two-month investigation" headed by Lisa Friel, ESPN.com reported. The league had access to court records, documents and police reports. The investigation also looked at reports and opinions provided by medical experts. The league did not interview Holder. Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Hardy of the suspension via a letter.

"This suspension is something that we anticipated prior to Greg's signing, and we respect the commissioner's ruling,'' Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "Our organization understands the very serious nature of this matter. We will use our resources -- work closely with Greg and with the league -- to ensure a positive outcome.''

Hardy will reportedly undergo a clinical evaluation. The league could also recommend counseling.