Texans Safety Jimmie Ward Faces Legal Troubles Following Bond Violation
The situation for Texans safety Jimmie Ward has taken a concerning turn as he finds himself back behind bars in Montgomery County, Texas. This incident followed a bond condition violation related to previous assault charges leveled against him in June.
Background on Jimmie Ward’s Legal Issues
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Arrest Details: Ward was taken into custody on Thursday night due to a positive alcohol test, which violates his bond agreement. His attorney, Steve Jackson, clarified that there were no new allegations or arrests, emphasizing that the violation was tied to alcohol consumption.
- Attorney’s Statement: Jackson stated, “Jimmie did not realize this was a zero tolerance for alcohol and he tested positive for consuming alcohol.” He added, “As a result, there is an overnight sanction in jail for this. He will be out tomorrow morning.”
Ward was listed on the Montgomery County Jail website as having been arrested on a warrant for a felony offense, with no bail set. He is expected to be released by court order soon.
Details of Previous Incident
Ward’s ongoing legal troubles stem from an arrest earlier this year:
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Initial Arrest: On June 12, Ward was arrested at his home in Magnolia, Texas, after his fiancée accused him of assaulting, strangling, and threatening her.
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Legal Actions: The victim successfully filed for an emergency protective order against him.
- Current Charges: Ward is facing a third-degree assault charge related to alleged strangulation and has a court date set for August 13. His attorney mentioned plans to present a grand jury packet aimed at getting the charges dismissed by August 31.
Status of Jimmie Ward
- Bail: Ward has been free on $30,000 bail following his initial arrest.
- Training Camp: Additionally, he has been placed on the Texans’ physically unable to perform list due to foot surgery he underwent in the offseason.
NFL Investigation
The NFL is closely monitoring the situation. Texans General Manager Nick Caserio expressed the team’s intention to fully cooperate with the league’s inquiry. In his comments, he noted:
"Kind of let the legal process take care of itself. We have been in contact with the league. We will work with the league. We will be compliant on our end, do the best we can."
He emphasized the need to allow the legal process to unfold:
“So, I think it’s day-to-day, but we’ll handle it accordingly.”
Conclusion
Jimmie Ward’s legal challenges highlight ongoing issues that could impact his career and the Texans organization. As the situation develops, both the legal proceedings and NFL investigation will draw significant attention. Fans and observers will be keen to see how the outcomes affect Ward’s future with the team.
For more updates and comprehensive coverage of the incident, visit NFL.com or ESPN.com.