IRVING, Texas -- The first time the Dallas Cowboys saw the pictures of Greg Hardy's ex-girlfriend, Nicole Holder, was Friday, according to a source.

Hardy signed with the Cowboys as a free agent on March 18. The NFL did not have access to the photos until after filing a suit in April. The NFL, NFL Players Association, Hardy's attorneys and league experts were not allowed to make copies of the photos, which were not made available to the Cowboys after the fact, according to a source.

While the Cowboys had not seen the photos, they were aware they existed through standard operating procedure of a police investigation and were aware of what they would show. From police reports and court records, the Cowboys were aware of what transpired between Hardy and Holder that night.

From comments by owner and general manager Jerry Jones, executive vice president Stephen Jones and coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys maintained they did a thorough background check into Hardy from his days in high school to the NFL.

Charlotte Anderson, the Cowboys' executive vice president/chief brand officer, is a member of the NFL's conduct committee that was formed last year.

Initially in the case, Hardy was found guilty by a judge of communicating threats and assault on Holder. But after requesting a jury trial, the case was dropped after Holder refused to cooperate. This week, Hardy's record was expunged.

The NFL initially suspended Hardy for 10 games, but that was reduced to four on appeal.