Cowboys DE Greg Hardy, Jerry Jones meet to talk distractions

Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy had a sitdown with Dallas owner Jerry Jones and was advised of ways to avoid being a distraction.

ESPN reported the meeting took place amidst reports the front office was wavering in its support of the controversial pass rusher.

One month ago, the Cowboys were talking about a contract extension with Hardy in the wake of a heated sideline exchange between Hardy and special teams coach Rich Bistaccia.

He's been a source of consternation for Cowboys fans, former greats of the team and state and local politicians who spoke out against Hardy because of a high-profile domestic violence incident in North Carolina. Hardy spent most of last season on the commissioner's exempt list before charges were formally dropped.

Photos showing bruises and abrasions on the body of Hardy's former girlfriend, Nicole Holder, were published by Deadspin, reigniting passionate outrage about his prominent position. The Cowboys claim they did not see the pictures before signing Hardy to a one-year, $11.3 million deal on March 18, even though the NFL acknowledged seeing the graphic evidence during its own investigation.

The domestic violence charges filed last year against Hardy have since been expunged.

Hardy originally was suspended for 10 games by the NFL for multiple violations of its personal-conduct policy resulting from an incident with Holder in the spring of 2014 while he was with the Carolina Panthers.