UPDATED: 9:44 p.m.
FLOWERY BRANCH – No!
The team called a report that they are interested in Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy "inaccurate.
The Falcons are interested in Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy, who's on the commissioner's exempt list for a domestic abuse case, according to a video report by Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole.
Hardy's alter ego is "The Kraken." Signing him would be a major deviation from the Falcons’ plan to sign players without major character issues.
Since it was clear that Hardy would come on the market, there were rumors that the Falcons would be interested. But when asked if the team’s character assessment would be altered, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said that it would not.
However, he did leave some room for exceptions. After going 10-22 over the past two season, the Falcons are not set to make an exception to add a pass-rushing defensive end who reportedly tossed a women on a couch of guns.
Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy was arrested Tuesday on misdemeanor charges of assault on a female and communicating threats following an early-morning dispute with a 24-year-old woman at Hardy's uptown apartment, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police incident report.
Hardy, 25, was booked Tuesday afternoon when he turned himself in to police, according to a police statement. The name of the person who filed the report was not released as of Tuesday.
The Falcon have frowned upon players with domestic violence cases in the past.
Here’s part of that recent discussion on character with Dimitroff:
Despite the change at the head coaching position, the Falcons will continue to acquire players with good character backgrounds.
With the addition of new coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons will look for different sized players, but will not move too far away from players who have exhibited good character.
“We’ve always been particularly about making sure that we have the right fit,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said recently. “Understanding, that we’ve never, ever stressed that we are so judgmental to ever think that we are going to have a bunch angelic souls.”
The key assessment for the Falcons is to get players who believe in working together within the structure of the team. Quinn has repeatedly talked about celebrating the “uniqueness” of players that may be added to the roster.
“Some of those guys may be a little different,” Dimitroff said. “They may have a little different upbringing. They may have rubs or challenges that they had to face.”
Dimitroff doesn’t see that as the team relaxing some of its standards.
“We’re open to, no question, acquiring football players like that,” Dimitroff said. “ Part of it has to do with making sure that they are able to deal with the issues at hand and how we can help them moving forward. We are open to having football players with a lot of different backgrounds…We are totally understanding of that.”
Owner Arthur Blank sets the tone for the football operations.
“It comes down from Mr. Blank and that’s very important for this organization,” Dimitroff said. “We also understand the importance of winning football games. We make sure that we keep it all in consideration. Are we any more particular now? We have always been particular, so I’m thinking we’re not going to change as far as our acquisition approach.”
FALCONS STORIES
Falcons to focus on adding another cornerstone
Quinn-Dimitroff partnership off to a strong start
Q&A with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Falcons coach Dan Quinn fired up to watch pass-rushers
Q&A with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on moving forward
Falcons to keep character filter on draft picks
Falcons close to re-signing kicker Matt Bryant
Falcons LT Jake Matthews recovering from offseason surgery
Falcons plan to extend WR Julio Jones contract
Falcons could target Denver TE Julius Thomas in free agency
Falcons' roster gutting could have big names (i.e. Steven Jackson)
Cutting the Falcons roster -- Should they stay or should they go?
COMBINE STORIES
Todd Gurley speaks about autograph-signing caper
Bucs appear set to cast future with Jameis Winston
Todd Gurley intriguing prospect to NFL teams
Chris Conley puts on a dazzling show at the combine
Waller, Smelter out to prove NFL standing at the combine
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
Watch: D. Led -- Falcons news at the combine
Watch: NFL Network's Mike Mayock at the combine
Watch: Todd Gurley has interviews set up with 24 NFL teams
Watch: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff at the combine
Watch: Falcons coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Watch: Rams GM Les Snead on the pass-rush talent at the combine
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
Falcons to meet with Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
PHOTO GALLERIES
Photographs from the 2015 NFL scouting combine
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