NFL teams
David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Cam Newton: I feel for Greg Hardy

NFL, Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Quarterback Cam Newton says the legal situation surrounding sack leader Greg Hardy won't be a distraction for the Carolina Panthers in Sunday night's prime-time game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hardy on Wednesday was placed on the commissioner's exempt list until his domestic violence case is resolved. The earliest possible date for the 2013 Pro Bowl selection to return would be Nov. 17, when this appeal is scheduled to be heard by a jury.

"Distraction? I wouldn't say it's much of a distraction," Newton said Thursday. "You kind of, you [hurt] for a person [like] Greg who has done, in my opinion, every single thing that was asked of him to do.

"There's a lot of guys that feel for Greg, including myself. But we still have a job to do, and that's to put the best performance that we have had this whole season for Sunday night."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he plans to talk to Hardy next week about returning to the facility and working out.

Under the terms of being placed on the exempt list, Hardy is allowed to be at the stadium and use the facilities but cannot practice or play in games. Rivera, as he said Wednesday, remains optimistic that Hardy will be back this season. If the trial is heard in mid-November -- Hardy's attorney has said it likely will be pushed into 2015 -- Hardy will miss at least the next nine games.

The only way to shorten that time span would be for Hardy to reach a plea bargain for the current charge of assault and threatening ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder -- or possibly a lesser charge -- and take a six-game suspension from the NFL without pay and return.

Hardy and his attorney have given no indication that is an option.

"I know nothing of the timetable," Rivera said. "That's just who I am [being optimistic]. I believe the process will take care of itself. And again, hopefully it works out in the right favor, it's correct. If so, I believe he'll be back."

Rivera still hasn't filled Hardy's roster spot. Injuries to starting running back DeAngelo Williams (thigh) and wide receiver Jason Avant (thigh) could help make the decision if neither can play. If that is the case, Rivera would consider bringing running back Darrin Reaves or one of two wide receivers -- Stephen Hill or Marcus Lucas -- from the practice squad.

Rivera said it was good to get back to a normal routine on Thursday. He was about 15 minutes late for Wednesday's practice and almost an hour late for his normal news conference as details of Hardy's agreement were finalized.

"I loved the energy and tempo of practice," Rivera said of Thursday's workout. "I felt the guys were focused in on Pittsburgh. ... Today's practice was what you're really looking for. For me personally, it was a deep breath."

For Newton and his teammates, it was about moving forward.

"All the controversy, we're not going to let that affect us on the field," he said. "And it's kind of hard to do that, especially in this type of situation. But, in the end, it's not about Greg Hardy. It's about the Carolina Panthers trying to put the best product that they can [on the field]."

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