Former NFL champion Derrick Ward arrested in connection with multiple robberies in Southern California
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former NFL running back Derrick Ward has been arrested and is placed in police custody this week for his alleged connection with multiple robberies in Southern California.
The 43-year-old New York Giants Super Bowl champion was arrested on Monday, December 18, and remained in custody as of Wednesday morning, December 20, according to inmate records for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
What charges does Derrick Ward face?
Inmate records show that Ward is facing at least one felony charge. His bail is set at $250,000. According to NBC News, police claim Ward robbed at least five businesses in Southern California. The retired running back did not use a firearm during any of the robberies, police told the outlet. TMZ claims Ward, however, did use force. It is not immediately clear whether Ward has hired or been assigned a defense attorney.
Ward has not yet entered a plea and there is no information from the sheriff’s department about an upcoming court date.
Derrick Ward and his NFL career
Ward, a Southern California native, played college football for Fresno State and Ottawa University in Kansas before getting drafted to the NFL by the New York Jets in 2004. He played for the Jets, the New York Giants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Houston Texans throughout his seven-year NFL career.
His most productive time was in New Jersey, rushing for 1,750 yards on 342 carries (5.1 yards per carry) in 51 games between 2004 and 2009 for Big Blue.
The rusher ran for 2,628 yards and 12 touchdowns throughout his playing career which was highlighted by his and the Giants’ miraculous 2007-08 Super Bowl run. The team went 10-6 in the regular season before riding momentum throughout the NFL Playoffs, ultimately knocking off Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots in a thrilling 17-14 win.
The game is often remembered for Giants wide receiver David Tyree’s 'Helmet Catch' late in the fourth quarter, which helped set up the winning score. Ward did not play in Super Bowl XLII, however, because he broke his leg late in the regular season.
During his time with the Giants, Ward and fellow running backs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were a part of a triple threat backfield known as 'Earth, Wind, and Fire.' “Derrick is known as the ‘Wind’ because ohis shifty running style and because of his laid back personality,” Wards official website still reads.
