Greg Hardy was found guilty Tuesday in a Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) Courthouse of assault on a female and communicating threats, according to The Associated Press.
The Carolina Panthers defensive end was sentenced to a 60-day suspended sentence and 18 months' probation by judge Rebecca Tin. Hardy's attorney says he will appeal and request a jury trial, and the terms of probation do not apply while he awaits an appeal by jury in Superior Court. That means Hardy's ability to travel with the team and go to training camp is not affected, per The AP. Hardy had pleaded not guilty earlier Tuesday.
The Panthers released a statement, which read: "We have just learned of the verdict and are respectful of the process. We do not have a comment at this time."
The conviction stems from a May 13 incident involving his former girlfriend.
In a protective order request, Hardy's accuser claimed the Pro Bowl pass rusher picked her up and threw her into the bathroom, then dragged her into the bedroom, choked her, picked her up again and "threw me onto a couch covered in assault rifles and/or shotguns." Hardy was then ordered by Tin to relinquish 10 legally owned firearms. The accuser also said Hardy threatened to shoot her if she reported the assault.
The 25-year-old will play out the 2014 season under the franchise-tag tender he signed in March, and is scheduled to make $13.116 million. Tuesday's deadline for franchise players to sign long-term deals passed without a new contract for Hardy, who posted 15 sacks last season (tying a team record).
In light of the guilty conviction, Hardy is subject to potential discipline under the NFL's personal-conduct policy.
