Steven Davis was named as Hughes successor as captain when ONeill took over.Everyone can learn from him

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell viewed bringing in Greg Hardy for a workout last week as a fact-finding mission rather than an attempt to bolster their pass rush.Caldwell said Monday that the Jaguars didnt intend to sign Hardy after his two-day workout last Wednesday and Thursday but wanted to see him on the field and meet with him so they would have enough information about the free-agent defensive end should they decide to pursue him in the future.It was really to find out more about him so we dont have any questions going into the season, Caldwell said. Theres no what-ifs for us right now. There could have been a what-if Week 3, Week 4 or into the preseason, but we kind of have our questions answered as to our game plan for him.... It was an opportunity for us -- heres a guy that was a franchise defensive end two years ago sitting out on the street -- to bring him in, work him out and try to find out the facts where hes at, the truth behind everything that surrounds him and just do our homework.Caldwell said the team spoke with Hardy about his domestic violence conviction and eventual dismissal as well as events that transpired last season while he was a member of the Dallas Cowboys. However, Caldwell said he wouldnt go into the specifics of what the team asked and Hardys responses.We brought him in and he did a workout, Caldwell said. Its not often you get your chance to put your hands on a player of that caliber to work him out. So well just see where its at. We have no imminent plans of signing him at this point, but it was good to get him in here and find out about him.Hardy, 27, has 40 sacks in six seasons, including six last season. The Cowboys did not renew his contract, and he went unsigned during free agency.Hardy was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFLs personal conduct policy in connection with a 2014 domestic violence incident. He was accused of assaulting then-girlfriend Nicole Holder; he allegedly threw her into a bathtub and on a futon covered with guns and tried to choke her. A judge in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, found him guilty on charges of domestic violence in July 2014.Hardy denied the charges and said Holder was under the influence of alcohol and was angry because he told her to leave his home. He appealed the conviction, and the case was dismissed in February 2015 after prosecutors said they were unable to locate Holder. The prosecutors also said Holder had reached a settlement with Hardy.In addition, Hardy stirred controversy throughout the 2015 season with several comments, including saying he was going to come out guns blazing in his return to the field. Hardy also shoved an assistant coach and got into a shouting match on the sideline with Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.Caldwell said he was aware of a potential public relations backlash if the team were to sign Hardy and said that decision would not be made lightly.Domestic violence is a serious issue, Caldwell said. Theres no place for it in the world, let alone the NFL. But I think for us, were going to do whats best for our team. We have 52 players that want to win. We have a coaching staff that wants to win as much as our fan base. Were going to turn over every rock, but not at any price.The Jaguars lack a veteran edge rusher and did have conversations with Hardys agent during free agency, but did not pursue him at that time.Jacksonville tried to sign Olivier Vernon in free agency, but he agreed to a five-year, $85 million deal with the New York Giants. The Jaguars top two edge rushers are Dante Fowler, Jr., who missed his rookie season in 2015 after suffering a torn left ACL on the first day of rookie minicamp, and rookie Yannick Ngakoue, the teams third-round draft pick. Cheap Custom NFL Jerseys . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. Wholesale Stitched Jerseys . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. http://www.cheapjerseysfinish.com/ . -- The plastic that was taped across the lockers in Oaklands clubhouse came down and the champagne that was on ice went back into the cooler. China NFL Jerseys . R.J. Umberger scored twice to lead the Blue Jackets to a franchise-record for consecutive wins with a 5-3 victory Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Kings. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play.Free agent Aaron Hughes is expected to win his 100th cap when Northern Ireland play Slovakia in Saturdays friendly in Trnava. The 36-year old, who made his debut against Slovakia in 1998, will become only the 12th Home Nations centurion on a list that includes Sir Bobby Charlton, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and his fellow countryman Pat Jennings.He will also become the first outfield Northern Ireland player to reach the milestone. Northern Ireland train in Austria on the eve of their final warm-up game against Slovakia Michael ONeill was not giving much away on whether Hughes would play but it was ONeill who helped convince the defender to backtrack on his decision to retire from innternational football in 2011.ddddddddddddHe wanted to be part of a squad that could do something, ONeill told Sky Sports News HQ.You want people you can rely on and Aaron is certainly that. Hes had a fantastic career and its fitting he will have the chance to go to a major tournament.Steven Davis was named as Hughes successor as captain when ONeill took over.Everyone can learn from him, said the Southampton midfielder. Hes the ultimate professional. I dont remember Hughesy ever having a bad game.Jonny Evans shared a room with Hughes on international trips when he first made his breakthrough for NI.He is fantastic player and person, said Evans. Hes very proactive with his defending and the way he holds the line. Hughes holds off Pall Klettskard off the Faroe Islands during a Euro 2016 qualifier I hope from a personal point of view that he can go on to reach 100 because its a massive milestone.The only Northern Ireland player to pass 100 caps is goalkeeper Jennings who made 119 appearances, and the Northern Irish legend said: It will be an absolutely fantastic achievement. Nobody deserves it more than Aaron.Northern Ireland are currently on the longest unbeaten run (11) of any Euro 2016 nation and play Slovakia on Saturday in their final warm-up friendly. Also See: Euro 2016 Slovakia v N Ireland preview ONeill pays Hughes tribute Washington looking for omens ' ' '