Dallas Cowboys

Source: Greg Hardy 'despondent' after release of photos

Published Nov. 8, 2015 11:21 a.m. ET

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While Greg Hardy's off-field issues aren't affecting his play on the field, the Cowboys defensive end was reportedly "despondent" on Friday after previously sealed photos of the injuries he allegedly inflicted on ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder during an incident in early 2014 were released.

FOX Sports NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported Sunday that the Cowboys were concerned about Hardy.

"According to sources the Cowboys were concerned when they were told on Friday that Hardy was despondent after those photos were posted," said Garafolo.

According to Garafolo, the Cowboys were told that he was having a few drinks, so that concerned them, too.

Cowboys legend Charles Haley, who has mentored receiver Dez Bryant, as well, spoke with Hardy on the phone on Friday.

A source said that Hardy told Haley that even though the team is behind him, he's not "getting support from close friends right now."

On Saturday, Hardy broke his silence on the photos published by Deadspin with these tweets.

but mostly I am Grateful 4 the opportunity to play in NFL #GodBlessHookyStreet
— Kraken&theNightmares (@OverlordKraken) November 8, 2015

Hardy signed an incentive-laden $13 million free agent contract with Dallas in March, and despite the heavy criticism of Hardy, the Cowboys — in particular owner Jerry Jones — have publicly supported their offseason signing of Hardy and recently doubled down on that support, with Jones releasing a statement Friday that read in part: "We entered into the agreement with Greg fully understanding that there would be scrutiny and criticism. We have given Greg a second chance. He is a member of our team and someone who is grateful for the opportunity he has been given to move forward with his life and his career.”

According to the police report, Holder told authorities that following an argument, Hardy pushed her into a shower wall, dragged her by her hair and threw her onto a futon that had a number of guns on it. She said he then began to strangle her from above, and she told police that her thoughts at the time were, "He was gonna kill me, this is it ... this is the time. He's actually gonna do it."