Jimmie Ward Placed on NFL Exempt List Amid Legal Issues
The NFL has announced that Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward has been placed on the Commissioner’s exempt list.
Ward, who is 34 years old, is facing serious felony domestic violence charges from an arrest back in June. Reports indicate he was accused of assaulting a family or household member, specifically a woman who claimed he strangled and threatened her, according to police documents. He was also arrested again in August for violating the terms of his bail.
On this exempt list, players are not allowed to practice or take part in games. The duration of Ward’s time on this list will be determined by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The Texans released a statement acknowledging they are aware of the situation involving Ward, though no further comments were made at this stage.
A recent lawsuit filed in Texas alleges that Ward physically and sexually assaulted his 3-year-old son while under the influence of crystal meth. The lawsuit includes accusations that he suffocated a woman named Christy West, with whom he had a long-term relationship, and is seeking over $20 million in damages. West’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, has represented victims in numerous high-profile cases related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
Ward’s attorney, Steve Jackson, stated that the lawsuit had previously been dismissed in Montgomery County. He emphasized that they intend to concentrate on the criminal aspects of the case, with hopes of having the matter dismissed entirely this time around.
Ward has been absent from training camp due to foot injuries and is currently in his third season with the Texans, marking the 12th season of his overall NFL career. Before joining the Texans, he spent nine years with the San Francisco 49ers.
In his last season, Ward served as a team captain, making 48 combined tackles, securing two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), and defending four passes. In his absence, CJ Gardner-Johnson and Calen Bullock are expected to step up as starters for the Texans at safety.
