Ward was arrested on June 12 at his home in Magnolia, Texas, for allegedly assaulting and threatening a woman, MCSO says. He also faces a $20M lawsuit in the case.
HOUSTON — The NFL has placed Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward on the Commissioner Exempt List following two recent arrests.
The action means Ward can’t practice or attend games while on the list, the NFL said in a statement.
Editor’s note: The above video originally aired on August 7.
Ward was arrested on June 12 at his home in Magnolia, north of Houston, for allegedly assaulting and threatening the mother of his child, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested again earlier this month after his lawyer said he violated a bond condition involving alcohol.
The Texans’ safety also faces a $20 million lawsuit by the woman who alleges he physically injured and traumatized her in the alleged incident.
Ward’s criminal defense attorney acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit but told KHOU 11 that their focus remains on the criminal case and the upcoming grand jury proceedings. A grand jury is expected to hear details on the case later this month.
The legal troubles have drawn attention during the football season, with Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans addressing the situation at practice last week.
“I think it’s unfair to rush to judgement when allegations and stories come out on players” Ryans said Friday. “Everybody’s quick to jump on it and jump on the negative side with the players. Let’s just allow it to play out and we’ll see what happens when everything is over.”
Steve Jackson, criminal defense attorney for Jimmie Ward, released a statement, saying the following:
“We are aware of the Harris County civil law suit that was filed yesterday. This is the same civil lawsuit that was filed against Mr. Ward by other attorneys who also previously tried and failed in a jury trial to prove that Jimmie was married to Ms. West. It is our intention at this time to focus on the criminal allegations and the upcoming grand jury hearing in hopes of this matter being dismissed.”
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