Report: Trial date set for Panthers DE Greg Hardy
Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy's trial over domestic abuse charges will begin on Feb. 9, according to a report from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.
The trial was initially scheduled to begin on Nov. 17, but it was postponed because there was a limited number of available courtrooms. Hardy reportedly "resisted" the postponement of the trial because he wanted to resume playing.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera had said that he believed Hardy should be reinstated if the trial is pushed to the offseason.
The 26-year-old was deactivated (with pay) after playing in Week 1 and placed on the commissioner's exempt list after appealing a guilty verdict in the case. The Panthers have indicated that Hardy will not be disciplined until after the conclusion of the trial.
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If the finding of guilt in the case is not reversed, Hardy could be suspended six games as a first-time offender under the NFL's new policy against domestic violence.
Hardy amassed 15 sacks and 40 tackles for the Panthers last season and will become an unrestricted free agent after earning $13.1 million this season as the team's franchise player.
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