Former Giants RB Derrick Ward Pleads Not Guilty to Robbery Charges
Doric SamJanuary 4, 2024
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Former New York Giants running back pleaded not guilty in his robbery case during his court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
According to TMZ, court records show that Ward is facing seven counts of second-degree robbery after he was arrested on Dec. 18 for allegedly stealing from multiple businesses, including gas stations. Records show that he posted $100,000 bond this month.
Authorities said Ward did not use a firearm in his alleged robberies, but he instead used force and fear to steal money from the businesses.
Ward spent eight seasons in the NFL from 2004 to 2011. In addition to the Giants, he also suited up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.
The 43-year-old was a member of the Giants squad that defeated Tom Brady and the then-undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, but he did not play in the game due to a fractured left fibula.
Ward finished his career with 2,628 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. His best year came in 2008 when he set a career-high with 1,025 yards on the ground.
Former NFL running back TIki Barber, who was Ward’s teammate on the Giants from 2004 to 2006, recently told the New York Post that he had spoken to Ward eight months ago and he said he was working in the movie business.
“It’s just sad to hear,” Barber said. “He was from a rough environment and it felt like he was at a point in his life where he escaped it. It’s shocking because I feel like he got his life right.”