Penn State Commit Dorian Hardy Allegedly Punched by High School Coach

Four-star defensive end Dorian Hardy, who committed to Penn State back in June, was punched in the face by one of the assistant coaches of his Paramus Catholic High School football team, Hardy’s father told NJ.com.

Four Paramus Catholic Paladins and the assistant coach, Michael Mitchell, were reportedly involved in a brawl after practice last Friday.

Paramus police records say that Hardy and another player were involved in an altercation in the hallway that was carried outside, where two other players and Mitchell, who is the father of one of the other three players involved, intervened. The police report did not say that Mitchell threw any punches.

Hardy’s father, however, said that it was not his son who was first involved in the altercation — instead that Hardy was the one intervening in the brawl. After the fight broke up, Hardy’s father claims that Mitchell punched his son in the face twice.

The school has not announced discipline for anyone involved, but Hardy’s father said that his son, one other player, and Mitchell have all been suspended.

Hardy plans to transfer to another school, but has not decided where he will enroll next. It’s not clear if he will be eligible to play at his next school.