Jerry Jones releases statement on Greg Hardy photos

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released a statement Friday on defensive end Greg Hardy and his involvement in a domestic violence incident.

Deadspin obtained and released photos of Hardy's ex-girlfriend, Nicole Holder, sporting bruises on her back, arms, legs, and feet. (Warning: the photos are graphic.)

Holder alleged that Hardy threw her onto a couch that was laden with assault rifles, tossed her against the wall of a bathtub, and choked her until she asked for him to "kill me so I don't have to."

Jones released the following statement after the original report was widely redistributed.

While we did not have access to the photos that became public today, we were and are aware of the serious nature of this incident. We as an organization take this very seriously. We do not condone domestic violence. 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.

Hardy was convicted on charges of misdemeanor assault in 2014. The Cowboys defensive end appealed the charges, which were dismissed after prosecutors couldn't locate Holder to testify against him.

The NFL initially suspended Hardy for 10 games, but the sanction was reduced to four games upon appeal.

The Cowboys alleged that they weren't allowed to see the photos prior to their release, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

However, Rapoport tweeted out a document that granted the NFL 'exclusive and limited' access from the district attorney to the photos, for the purpose of disciplinary action against Hardy.