The Carolina Panthers made the decision early Sunday to deactivate Greg Hardy in light to the backlash the NFL is receiving concerning domestic violence, but will the Panthers keep Hardy on the bench going forward?

Carolina hasn't made a decision regarding Hardy as of Monday and they are expected to take a few days to decide. Hardy was found guilty by a Mecklenburg County judge of assaulting and threatening his ex-girlfriend on July 15.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the team is giving the situation it’s ‘due diligence’ and that Hardy is with the team this week.

"Greg's with the team,'' Rivera said. "We're in a situation where we're going to go through this week and evaluate the circumstances and situation. In light of a lot of things that have happened, we're going to continue to gather information.

"This is a fluid situation, and we'll see what happens.’

The only concrete answer the Panthers have given concerning Hardy is that the team will not release him, but haven't made a decsion on his immediate future. The Panthers placed the franchise tag on Hardy this past offseason and will pay him $13,116,000 this season.

Hardy is coming off a 15 sack campaign in 2013 and is seen as one of the better pass rushers in the NFL. If Hardy is allowed to return to the football field after this situation is over, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2015.

[ESPN]

Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56