By the grace of Ray Rice goes Greg Hardy.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued a statement Friday night in response to the publication of police photos of the victim in connection with Hardy's domestic abuse case, saying the photos did not merit a change in the team's willingness to employ the enigmatic defensive end, the Dallas Morning News reported.
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"While we did not have access to the photos that became public today, we were and are aware of the serious nature of this incident,'' Jones said. "We as an organization take this very seriously.
"We do not condone domestic violence. We entered into the agreement with Greg fully understanding that there would be scrutiny and criticism. We have given Greg a second chance. He is a member of our team and someone who is grateful for the opportunity he has been given to move forward with his life and his career.''
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Deadspin obtained and published photos of Nicole Holder, the woman whom Hardy was convicted of abusing in 2014, that were taken within 24 hours of when she claims that Hardy attacked her.
The bruises and welts on Holder's body were powerful images, but they still lacked the impact of the video TMZ Sports released that showed the sequence of ex-Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancée Janay Palmer in the face and knocking her unconscious.
None of the photos involving Holder showed Hardy in the act of hitting her. Rice's video was so graphic that the images of Holder aren't enough to force the Cowboys' hand. The team still is willing to go through the backlash that awaits them in the coming days over the Hardy controversy.
The Ravens and the NFL were unwilling to allow Rice to continue last year.
"UltraViolet, a national women's advocacy organization, issued a statement Friday afternoon that called for the Cowboys to cut Hardy immediately," the Dallas Morning News reported. "Chances are other groups will follow. With a nationally televised game Sunday night against Philadelphia at AT&T Stadium, it's not out of the question that some sort of protest will be organized.
Had Ray Rice's video not appeared last September, would Jones be as adamant in his support for Hardy?
The point is moot; Hardy, who refused to answer questions about the photos on Friday, appears poised to survive the controversy.
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