I’ve finally been able to piece together enough reliable information to give an update on the legal situation involving Kings assistant coach Mark Hardy. Those unfamiliar with the details of Hardy’s May 21 arrest — and the subsequent charge of fourth-degree sexual abuse — can click here and here for previous posts.
The following information comes courtesy of one of Hardy’s attorneys, Woodland Hills-based Craig Renetzky, and has been confirmed through a public-records search. Calls seeking comment and information from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington, D.C., were not returned.
Hardy did not need to be present at last Friday’s hearing, as Renetzky said the hearing was essentially held only to prove that Hardy had legal representation. Hardy is scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court on July 1 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time for a preliminary hearing. At that point, the government will present some evidence — often interviews with police officers involved in the arrest — and a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for a trial. As part of the conditions of his release, Hardy was required to “seek alcohol treatment evaluation and possible treatment placement” and is required to stay away from the alleged victim. Renetzky said Hardy has been following the court’s order but did not get into specifics. Renetzky said he would be unable, right now, to give an accurate estimation of when a potential trial might begin.
If any further information comes along before July 1, I’ll certainly pass it along to you.
he did it…every single one of these athlete/celeb stories is sweeped under the carpet but he did it. Stuff doesn’t just happen out of no where, i dont care how crazy some people are. With that being said, people get away with everything in LA but too bad this is in DC.
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USCG Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
@USCG, damn, i meant swept. Damn bad grammar on my part.
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Tim Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
@USCG, So you have some inside information that others don’t? After 30+ years in law enforcement I can guarantee there is a ton of facts none of us are aware of, and jumping to conclusions is unfair and sometimes just plain inaccurate. Family members can be wacko and accuse people of things they didn’t do. You don’t know the people involved, and it wouldn’t be the first time someone saw dollar signs and made an accusation. And as for your insinuation that no one gets away with things in DC, I’m sure glad, because I thought there were some shady politicians through the years but I guess none of them got away with anything, being in DC. So, “He did it”??? Come on, you don’t know jack about it.
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Steve S. Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Concur. This is a wacky thing to say, esp. with such bravado. The whole thing could be nonsense.
So… what does this mean as far as his position with the club?
May he return if cleared (unlikely) or avoids jail time (just gets probabation?) Or is he gone, irregardless?
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edwood2 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
@Kevin Y, I think he is gone regardless. Innocent until proven guilty exists only in fairy tales.
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USCG Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
@edwood2, yup…he’s gone. What’s funny is he’ll probably be cleared innocent but even a snippet of bad character ruins your rep forever.
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King Doughtnuts Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
@Kevin Y, If he returns to the Kings, he’ll be ordered to stay away from the Ice Girls and Heidi Androl
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jet Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
@King Doughtnuts, I attempt to find the light side in nearly every thread, but there are some threads that are better left for serious discussion. I believe this is one of those.
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OneTimer Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 8:26 am
@jet,
So you’re saying you agree that Mr. Doughnuts witty post brought nothing to the topic, and furthermore – simply dragged this already sad, upsetting, unsettling and potentially-criminal-laden story further down in the soggy mud?
Well then sir … I concur.
yea i think he’s gone regardless as well.
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Rob Blake new defensive coach. i’m just saying, a negitive to a positive.
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If he’s guilty, I say no to Blake’s jersey in the rafters.
If he’s innocent, I say no to Blake’s jersey in the rafters.
So that’s still a NO from me.
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USCG Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
@Matt George, squirt guns regardless
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luc20rules Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@Matt George, I’ve seen your posts before and I am guessing Hell Freezes Over NO to Retiring Blake’s Jersey. Hell doesn’t freeze over NO to Retiring Blake’s Jersey. LOL
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Dum dum dum Hardy sucks !!
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As someone who previously worked with Mark and found him to be one of the nicest, most approachable guys in the organization, I’m both surprised and upset. I really hope for his sake that there is more to the story than what we know – a misunderstanding, an exaggeration, something. Hardy is truly one of the good guys.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
@txkingsfan, When this story broke in May I was hoping the same. In fact I when I saw the title of the blog, I was hoping that it would read charges dropped, and accuser admits to making up the story. Mark, is a personable to fans, and active in charities. But if this story is true I first of all hope he gets the help he needs and second the punishment be what it would be for anyone else. But, the justice system has to stop ruling for lighter sentencing just because it began with irresponsible behavior of being under the influence. That said, knowing Mark if there is any truth to the story, he will never drink alcohol again.
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July 1? The same day Marleau can sign here? At least the judge has a sense of humor by putting the next court dats on NHL UFA day. I can see O’Donnell retiring to replace Hardy as the assistant in charge of the defense.
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I have already said it and I will say it again od retires and replaces hardy. Already knows the young core and was great at helping drew his 1st season. If he wants to play still then try Larry Robinson but boo to the person that said rob Blake.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
@Ducksuck, Love the idea of getting Larry Robinson, but the guy has won a stanley cup as a player, assist coach, head coach, and a high management position its just hard to see him take a assistant coaching position at this point in his career.
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speaking of Hardy…
After an incredibly exciting series, how anticlimatic was that ending to the stanley cup final?
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number 6 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@McDonalds,
…….very
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jet Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@McDonalds, But the Hossa curse ended.
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T-Raw Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
@McDonalds,
Same thing as the Olympics.
Saw who I wanted to win this time, but still a disappointing finish.
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Hardy will be released. Hopefully then making room for Blake on the Bench in some capacity, not to replace hardy per se, It would be great to have Rob back in LA, wouldn’t it?
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puckbob Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
@Duffy, NO!!
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rob Blake won’t be back in LA. He only goes where the money is!
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Would love to have Rob Blake back with the Los Angeles Kings.
Have ALWAYS thought his heart is with this team when all us said and done.
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