Greg Hardy's suspension reduced from 10 to four games after appeal

Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy's suspension has been upheld, but the duration of the suspension has been reduced from 10 to four games.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy's suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy has been upheld, but the duration of the suspension has been reduced from 10 to four games, NFL PR announced on Friday. 

The NFL suspended Hardy in April after investigating whether the defensive end violated the policy. The NFLPA appealed the suspension on behalf of Hardy less than a week later.

Harold Henderson was the arbitrator who heard Hardy's appeal. Hardy's conviction came before the NFL changed its domestic violence policy last August, with the new policy giving a six game suspension for a first domestic violence offense and a lifetime suspension for a second. 

ESPN's Ed Werder reports that Hardy and his agent will consult with the NFL Players Association on whether or not to sue the NFL to reduce the suspension to two games.

Hardy is the last domestic violence bridge case: conduct prior to new policies. Still being disciplined twice "old standard" of 2 games.

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) July 10, 2015

Last July, Hardy was found guilty on misdemeanor domestic violence charges. After he played in one game with the Panthers last season, Hardy was played on the Commissioner's Exempt List. He still made $13.1 million in 2014 after the team placed the franchise tag on him.

Hardy was set to stand trial in February after appealing the conviction, but the charges were dismissed after his accuser reportedly could not be located by prosecutors. Hardy reportedly reached a financial settlement with the accuser.

In March, the Cowboys signed Hardy to a one-year deal worth up to $13 million. He will earn an additional $3,468,750 this season now that his suspension has been reduced, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

Hardy's first game back from the suspension will be at home against the New England Patriots on Oct. 11. He will miss games against the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.

- Molly Geary