Carolina Panthers star defensive end Greg Hardy , who has been granted a new trial this fall after a domestic violence conviction in July , has taken a voluntary leave with pay until his legal matters are resolved , the team announced Wednesday . `` We understand Greg 's decision , '' Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told reporters . `` And given the circumstances , it 's very important that he concentrate on his legal issues . We believe this is the right course of action at this time for both Greg and the Carolina Panthers . '' Authorities say Hardy in May choked his then-girlfriend , threw her around , dragged her by her hair and threatened to kill her . He was sentenced in July to 18 months of probation and a 60-day suspended sentence for the misdemeanors with which he was charged . The 6-foot-4 , 275 pound defensive end says he is innocent and has appealed a guilty verdict rendered by a Mecklenburg County judge in North Carolina . He was granted a jury trial that is scheduled for mid-November . `` I understand that I need to step away from football right now and take care of this legal matter . I am entitled to due process and my day in court , and that 's where my focus should be , '' Hardy said in a statement released by the team . `` I appreciate the Panthers for giving me this opportunity and look forward to being back with my teammates as soon as possible. `` Gettleman said that Hardy will be placed on the NFL 's exempt/commissioner 's permission list , which allows in special circumstances for players to be paid while on leave . He can still use the team 's facilities but can not attend practice . Peterson wo n't play until legal matters resolved . The players ' union said it worked with the league , the Carolina Panthers and Hardy on the matter . `` We support this decision and hope the best for him and his family , '' the NFL Players Association said in a written statement . Hardy , who led the team last season with 15 sacks and was a Pro Bowl selection , missed Sunday 's game against the Detroit Lions after the team placed on the inactive list . He played in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had four tackles .
Greg Hardy says he needs to focus on legal defense . Hardy was convicted by a judge in July of misdemeanor charges in a domestic violence case . The NFL suspended him for the first four games and fined him $2.5 million. Authorities allege Hardy assaulted , threatened to kill his then-girlfriend .