Carolina Panthers star Greg Hardy immediately announces intention to appeal judge’s verdict.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy has been found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend, Nicole Holder, despite pleading not guilty to the crime. Holder had told the police that Hardy attacked her during an argument in his uptown condo, where an after-party was happening.
A report in the Charlotte Observer states that Holder had moved in with Hardy, and their relationship took a turn for the worse shortly after. She testified that their relationship had a good start when it began in September. Holder claims that she and Holder had a turning point in January when she traveled to Hawaii to watch him play in the Pro Bowl. Holder also alleged that Hardy cheated on her “many times.”
Holder said that she was planning to attend the Super Bowl with Hardy, but he changed her plane ticket and sent her back to Charlotte.
Hardy’s position with the Panthers will now be called into question after Mecklenburg District Judge Becky Thorne Tin gave Hardy a suspended sentence of 60 days as well as 18 months’ probation.
His legal team have immediately announced they would appeal the charges.
“We respect the judge’s decision today,” explained Hardy’s attorney, Chris Fialko. “But Greg Hardy will now have a jury trial, a brand-new jury trial, and we’re confident he will be acquitted on both of these charges.”
Hardy was hoping to sign a long-term deal before training camp, but he will enter the season as a franchise-tagged player.
Having finished 2013 with 15 sacks, he has proven to be a vital piece to their defense.
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