Cowboys' Greg Hardy won't appeal four-game suspension

It seems Greg Hardy has already closely studied Tom Brady, who will officially be the first quarterback the Dallas Cowboys pass rusher pursues in 2015.

Hardy confirmed through a statement released by the NFL Players Association on Thursday that – unlike Brady – he won’t legally fight his four-game suspension, borne out of his domestic assault case while Hardy was a member of the Carolina Panthers last year.

“While I am terribly disappointed to miss the first four games of this season, I am absolutely determined that my issue is not going to be a distraction for the Cowboys,” Hardy said.

“I have enormous affection and respect for everyone here, and having seen the impact a court case can have on an NFL organization, I believe it is in the team’s best interest for me to announce that I will not pursue any further litigation.

“Everything I do from this point on will be designed to bring glory and pride to my family, their family and this team.”

Hardy’s original suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy was 10 games, but it was reduced to four by arbitrator Harold Henderson in July after he’d joined the Cowboys. Hardy will be eligible to play Oct. 11 when Dallas hosts Brady’s Patriots.

Hardy is expected to bolster a pass rush that also includes rookie Randy Gregory. Hardy collected 26 sacks for Carolina between the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He only played one game last year before going on the commissioner’s exempt list.