Hardy back with Hoosiers after two - week absence from squad

After missing IU's last two games, sophomore wide receiver James Hardy will rejoin the Hoosiers this weekend for their Big Ten opener against Wisconsin. \nAt IU coach Terry Hoeppner's weekly press conference Tuesday, Hardy announced that he was just happy to be back with his teammates and looking forward to getting back on the field.\n"I'm just excited to be back," Hardy said. "The two weeks is over, I've dealt with the personal issues, and we're going into the Big Ten, and hopefully we can get these victories to go to a bowl game."\nThe sophomore receiver has practiced with the team this week.\nHoeppner also reiterated that Hardy missing two weeks had nothing to do with his legal troubles in May. Hardy was apprehended by Fort Wayne police officers and charged with two class A misdemeanors, domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of a crime. The sophomore avoided future court appearances by agreeing to a pre-trial diversion program in August.\n"There's really nothing to talk about there," Hoeppner said. "It has nothing to do with the incident in May. Sometimes young people in general need to step aside, and in his situation, it was some personal issues."\nPrior to missing the last two weeks, the sophomore receiver had seven receptions for 112 yards with a touchdown in IU's first two games of the season.\nDuring Hardy's absence, freshman Nick Polk and sophomore Brandon Walker-Roby started.