This is in no way an effort to belittle the accusations against Greg Hardy, but we’re just a couple days into legal proceedings and I’m already sort of fatigued by the drama.Since I was filling in all afternoon at WFNZ, I wasn’t able to attend Thursday’s hearing.I’ve now caught up. I’ve read the legal documents. I’ve seen opinions. Essentially, Hardy’s accuser didn’t show. Nicole Holder’s request for a restraining order was dismissed. She suddenly and mysteriously parted ways with her lawyer. Hardy was ordered to turn over whatever firearms he may have. Holder admitted the whole thing started because of an argument over her short-term relationship with Nelly.I’d heard rumors about the rapper and Holder, but instead of making me more intrigued, they did the opposite.

For so long, Panthers fans have yearned for a bigger national spotlight. Ron Rivera talked about relevance time and again last season. The past few days are not what he envisioned.The Panthers have been in headlines, not just across the country, but all over the world. The Nelly angle ratchets thing up. It’s perfect tabloid fodder.Some folks in Charlotte took some sort of strange pride when “The Bachelorette” filmed here. Many are now getting a kick out of the fact their Panthers are in the news, no matter the reason.Sorry, but it’s not for me.On Wednesday, when I saw Hardy walk into the courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit and in handcuffs, I felt sad. A day later, the added details make me feel like I need to take a shower.You can speculate whatever you want about what happened Tuesday morning. You can question why a young woman would try to juggle relationships with an NFL player and a rapper. I just hope the legal system flushes out the truth.The Panthers and their fans deserve better than the attention they’re currently getting. Relevance is not a sordid off-season love triangle between one of their players, a bartender and a has-been rapper.

BBR NUGGETS

• The complete list of players participating in the Panthers’ two-day minicamp that starts Friday.
• Howard Balzer reports a tackle tryout.
• If you believe in a Madden Curse, this isn’t a good thing.

COMING UP

Complete coverage from rookie minicamp.

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