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Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy has been removed from the NFL team’s active roster until he resolves legal matters stemming from a domestic violence case that came to light in July.

During this time, Hardy will continue to be paid, according to Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman. The team announced the decision to place Hardy on the exempt/commissioner’s permission list on Wednesday. The leave was voluntary.

“We understand Greg’s decision,” Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told reporters. “And given the circumstances, it’s very important that he concentrate on his legal issues. We believe this is the right course of action at this time for both Greg and the Carolina Panthers.”

Hardy also released a statement:

“I understand that I need to step away from football right now and take care of this legal matter. I am entitled to due process and my day in court, and that’s where my focus should be,” Hardy said in a statement released by the team. “I appreciate the Panthers for giving me this opportunity and look forward to being back with my teammates as soon as possible. “

Hardy’s battle, amid a number of NFL scandals involving players and domestic violence, may not go away so easily.

In July, he was convicted of assault on a female after he choked his girlfriend, threatened to kill her, and dragged her by her hair. He reportedly threw her in the bathtub and onto a sofa covered with guns. Hardy was sentenced to 18 months of probation and a 60-day suspended sentence for the misdemeanors with which he was charged.

He is appealing the conviction. A jury trial is set for Nov. 17.

SOURCE: CNN, HuffPost | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty