Snooki puncher joins the Army, says report

(CBS) - Brad Ferro punched the diminutive star of MTV's hit reality show "Jersey Shore" Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi in August 2009, but instead of getting famous, it ruined his career - forcing him to join the Army, according the New York Post.

"Snooki" accused Ferro of stealing drinks from her and her other castmates at a bar on Jersey Shore; Ferro, who was intoxicated, hit the star in the face.

Footage of the assault was widely circulated on the web, but was cut out of the actual Season 1 episode.

Once the episode aired, Ferro, 25, was fired from his job as a gym teacher at North Queens Community HS, where he taught troubled kids.

Ferro pleaded guilty to one charge of simple assault, paid a $500 fine and served six month's probation.

Ferro had to move in with his grandmother after his unemployment insurance ran out. After finding it difficult to get a job because of the misdemeanor Ferro was forced to join the military, the paper reports.

Ferro left for basic training in Fort Knox, Ky., last month.