DALLAS — Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings sharply criticized the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to sign Greg Hardy in spite of serious domestic violence allegations, saying that “as a Cowboys fan, this was a shot in the gut.”

“I’m a big Cowboys fan. I love them to death and I want them to beat the Eagles every time they play,” Rawlings said.

“But at some point, being a sports fan gets trumped by being a father, husband, wanting to do what’s right for women, so this is not a good thing. I don’t think I’m going to be buying Hardy jerseys any time soon.”

Rawlings, who has made anti-domestic violence efforts one of the signature issues of his tenure, took a bold step into the controversy surrounding the Cowboys’ most recent hire Thursday, speaking out against it during an interview at his office.

In doing so, he voiced his disagreement with a football team he’s had a close relationship with over the years.

The mayor waged a bet with the Green Bay mayor over the outcome of a Cowboys-Packers playoff game earlier this year. And in his efforts to make men take responsibility for their role in domestic violence, he has called upon current and former Cowboys to support him.

After hearing about the Cowboys’ decision to sign Hardy, a Pro Bowl defensive end, Rawlings said he was moved to call his contacts at the team to discuss it.

“It is something that I heard about and immediately called the Cowboys this morning. I had a couple of conversations with them because I wanted to hear their side,” he said.

The mayor said the Cowboys told him they “took this very seriously,” conducting background checks and structuring the contract so that he would be held accountable.

VIKINGS: The relationship between Minnesota and star running back Adrian Peterson remains tenuous.

Peterson’s agent, Ben Dogra, confirmed on Friday that he declined an invitation from Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman to meet over dinner during the NFL owners meetings in Arizona next week.

Vikings officials have met with Peterson twice this month.

He has expressed uneasiness about returning to Minnesota to resume a career halted last year as the child abuse case he was involved in played out in court and then through the league’s personal conduct policy.

DOLPHINS: Safety Louis Delmas is back with Miami, signing a one-year deal that reunites him with former teammate Ndamukong Suh.

SAINTS: New Orleans agreed to terms with tackle Bryce Harris on a one-year contract.

Harris has appeared in 34 career games with four starts in three seasons.

FORMER NFL star Darren Sharper reached a plea agreement that will resolve all sexual assault charges against him, his lawyer said in court. The move is a “global resolution” to end all claims in all jurisdictions, attorney Blair Berk said.

Details about the terms of the plea agreement were not released.

Sharper is expected to return to court in Los Angeles on Monday to officially enter a plea.