The erstwhile Super Bowl victor Derrick Ward has avoided incarceration related to claims that he pilfered from businesses in the greater Los Angeles area … TMZ Sports has discovered he has been directed to participate in a mental health diversion program instead.
Judicial records reveal that a magistrate compelled Ward to join the program during a session on October 10.
As stated in court documents, Ward now must adhere to any therapeutic recommendations arising from “Find Your Balance Center” and “Brain Health USA Center” for a duration of two years.
Furthermore, the former New York Giants running back is prohibited from possessing or utilizing any lethal weapons … and generally must maintain good behavior throughout that two-year assignment.
Ward was staring down a lengthy prison sentence after the state confronted him with five counts of felony robbery, stemming from accusations that he employed force and intimidation to raid businesses — including gas stations — throughout Los Angeles in 2023.
Ward — who played a key role in assisting the Giants to overcome Tom Brady‘s unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl XLII — initially entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations back in January.
We have reached out to prosecutors for further details, but they have opted not to provide any comments regarding the case.