Report: Panthers' Greg Hardy faces trial in February

Steven J. Gaither

Report: Panthers' Greg Hardy faces trial in February image

Greg Hardy will have his day in court next month, facing charges for allegedly assaulting a former girlfriend.

Hardy, a Pro Bowl defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, will stand trial Feb. 9 on domestic violence charges, according to ProFootballTalk.com .

Hardy was found guilty of assaulting former girlfriend Nicole Holder last July. He appealed a judge’s ruling and requested trial by jury.

Initially allowed to play in the Panthers' opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hardy has been inactive since then. The Panthers have had to pay Hardy his full $13.1 million salary because he carries the team's franchise tag.

If Hardy goes to trial, his case is likely resolved before free agency begins in March.

The Panthers faced the Seattle Seahawks in Saturday's NFC playoff game.

Steven J. Gaither