NFL allowed to view photographs from Greg Hardy trial

A North Carolina judge ruled Wednesday that the NFL will be allowed to view evidence from Greg Hardy's domestic violence trial to determine any possible discipline from the league.

A North Carolina judge ruled Wednesday that the NFL will be allowed to view seven photographs submitted as evidence in Greg Hardy's first domestic violence trial in order to determine any possible discipline from the league. 

The photos show injuries to the alleged victim in the case, Hardy's ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder, according to ESPN. The NFL filed a lawsuit last month requesting access to the photos. 

The NFL, the players' union, Hardy and his attorney will be allowed to view the photographs, but the district attorney will retain custody of them. 

• Jerry Jones: We signed Greg Hardy to become a better team

The NFL had obtained other photos of Holder's injuries taken by Charlotte police but was missing the seven photos it was granted access to Wednesday, according to the Charlotte Observer. "It is not clear who took the photos, possibly a patient advocate who was with Holder at the hospital," the Observer reported.

In July, Hardy was convicted by a judge in a bench trial of misdemeanor domestic violence charges for assaulting and threatening Holder. Hardy was accused of throwing Holder onto a futon covered with firearms, choking her and threatening to kill her. 

Hardy appealed the verdict and was set to stand trial in February but the charges were dropped after Holder did not appear in court. 

• Jerry Jones: Greg Hardy 'paid a terrific price'

Hardy signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys last month. The NFL is currently investigating Hardy's case to determine whether he violated the league's personal conduct policy. He could be suspended for six games under the league's revised domestic violence policy. His contract is structured such that Hardy will not be paid for any games for which he is suspended. 

Hardy remains on the commissioner's exempt list while the NFL conducts its investigation.

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- Dan Gartland