Former Super Bowl victor Derrick Ward will avoid incarceration regarding accusations of robbing businesses in the L.A. vicinity. TMZ Sports has uncovered that he has been assigned to a mental health diversion program instead.
According to court documents, a judge mandated Ward to participate in the program during a hearing held on October 10.
Ward will now be required, as per court approvals, to adhere to any mental health treatment strategies prescribed by the “Find Your Balance Center” and “Brain Health USA Center” for a duration of two years.
Additionally, the former New York Giants running back is prohibited from owning or using any firearms and is expected to maintain good behavior throughout this two-year period.
Ward faced potential significant imprisonment after being charged with five felony robbery counts as prosecutors alleged that he employed intimidation to rob various establishments, including gas stations, throughout Los Angeles in 2023.
Ward — who was a key figure in the Giants’ defeat of Tom Brady and his unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl XLII — had originally entered a not guilty plea to the allegations back in January.
We have contacted the prosecutors for further information, but they opted not to provide any comments on the ongoing case.