http://www.charlotteobserver.com/inc...e10422650.html
Without the a conviction (the jury trial he requested caused the charges to be dismissed) you are left with transcripts prepared by the defense and her original statement to police, which the article hints might have contained discrepancies.
So even if the testimony was the complete truth, the extreme nature of his attack cannot be accepted at face value based on available evidence. The NFL is left with a player who has embarrassed them and his team, got into an altercation with a women serious enough for the police to be called. But its unclear any suspension based the specific details of the night would stand. Hardy might still be contesting this in Court.
What I don't remember is whether there was physical evidence. Did she need to be treated for injuries?