Ex-NFL Player James Hardy -- Committed to Mental Facility ... After Cop Attack Arrest

Ex-NFL player James Hardy III -- a 2nd round draft pick in 2008 -- has been committed to a state mental institution ... 6 months after he was arrested for attacking 3 cops ... TMZ Sports has learned.

We broke the story ... Hardy was taken into custody on May 4th at an L.A. apartment complex after an alleged violent meltdown. We're told it took several officers to subdue the 6'6", 225-pound athlete.

Now, we're told a judge has ruled that Hardy is not mentally competent to stand trial in the case -- and has ordered the 28-year-old to be committed to a state hospital.

According to court documents, the hospital has the authority to administer "involuntary antipsychotic medication" to Hardy as needed.