Hardy's trial date set for Aug. 23; IU wideout faces two misdemeanors

IU wide receiver James Hardy appeared in Allen County Court Monday to set up his August 23 trial, where he will face hearings on his two class A misdemeanor crimes. \nThe two charges against Hardy stem from a May 16 incident involving his girlfriend, Kyra Nolan, and their infant son. Hardy is being charged with domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of a crime. \nThe pretrial hearings are set for June 13 and July 17. Hardy must be present for both hearings. \nIn the first pretrial hearing, Hardy and his defense attorney Randy Hammond will attempt to lift the no-contact order currently restricting contact between Hardy and Nolan.\n"We filed a motion asking the court to modify Mr. Hardy's pre-trial release," Hammond said. "We are requesting the court to eliminate the no-contact order." \nIn Indiana, a no-contact order is designed to protect a victim from the perpetrator in any violent crime. In this case, Hardy is legally barred from contact with Nolan for the entire criminal proceedings. Violation of the order results in revocation of bond. \n"The court does this fairly routinely," Hammond said. \nThe first pretrial hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. June 13 in Allen County Court. Hammond described the pretrial meeting as a, "brief hearing, just on the issue." \nHardy was arrested the night of the incident after police responded to a 911 call placed from his girlfriend's home. According to court documents, Nolan was found with reddish marks on her back and neck and her shirt was torn. \nOriginally, Hardy told the police at the scene that he had not been physical with Nolan. But later Hardy confessed to pushing Nolan after she "got into his face," according to the court documents. \nHardy was released from the Allen County Jail on $1,500 bond. The bond was set for $750 for the domestic battery charge and an additional $750 for interfering with the reporting of a crime. \nThere is still no word on whether the court proceedings and charges will have any effect on Hardy's future at IU. \nPete Rhoda, director of IU athletic media relations, said there was no further information available at this time in regards to Hardy and his football future. \nAlthough he faces problems off the field, in his first year as a Hoosier, Hardy thrived on it. The 6'7" wideout led IU in 2005 with 61 catches for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns. His elite play was recognized when he was selected to the second team all-Big Ten squad.