NFL files lawsuit seeking access to Greg Hardy evidence

The NFL has filed a lawsuit against the Mecklenburg County district attorney in an attempt to gain access to evidence from Greg Hardy's first trial in North Carolina.

The NFL has filed a lawsuit against the Mecklenburg County district attorney in an attempt to gain access to evidence from Greg Hardy's first trial in North Carolina, according to WBTV in Charlotte, N.C.

Hardy and the Dallas Cowboysagreed to terms on a reported one-year contract on Wednesday.The 26-year-old was found guilty last July on misdemeanor domestic violence charges. He 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.

The Carolina Panthers placed Hardy on the commissioner's exempt list after he played one game last season.

• EAGLE: Cowboys gamble on Greg Hardy, give him one-year, prove-it deal

Hardy still faces a possible suspension from the league, and in February the NFL filed a petition to have the protective order lifted from Hardy's trial last July, arguing that since the case was dismissed the files should be made available. 

In the lawsuit, the NFL argues that it has the right to "examine and inspect exhibits admitted into evidence in a public trial and currently held by the district attorney."

According to WBTV, the league wants an immediate appeals court hearing and is demanding that district attorney Andrew Murray gives it any evidence that the state holds in its possession. From WBTV:

The lawsuit claims Murray's refusal to grant access to the evidence in the case violates "fundamental openness and transparency in government as codified in the Public Records Act."​

According to Reed, the NFL said Hardy will remain on the exempt list "pending the resolution of the matter being reviewed for potential discipline."

- Molly Geary