In the past few weeks, the NFL has placed Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward on the commissioner exempt list. His recent arrest and ongoing legal troubles makes this decision not just anticipated, but imperative. The underlying case started on June 12, when Ward was arrested by police in Montgomery County, Texas. He was charged with allegations including family violence against his fiancé at their residence in Magnolia.
Ward’s arrest led to him being jailed overnight. Then, on August 21, the victim of the incident sued the city in Harris County District Court. In her filing, she alleged that she was “violently assaulted multiple times, both sexually and physically” by Ward, and claimed these incidents occurred in the presence of their three-year-old child.
Adding to his legal troubles, on August 7 Ward was re-arrested for allegedly breaching the conditions of his release from custody. When he supposedly tested positive for alcohol, his actions and behavior came under a microscope. According to these recent developments, the NFL has decided to put him on the commissioner exempt list. This ruling bars him from coaching and visiting games until the case plays out.
Ward, 33, inked a rich two-year $13 million contract with Texans two seasons ago. Prior to that, he spent nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Texans signed him to a fourth year in August 2024. In the running season just completed, he only played in ten games, but still recorded two interceptions.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about this after practice during a recent press conference. He called on folks to let due process run its course with respect to Ward’s situation.
“We’ll let the situation play itself out.” – Coach DeMeco Ryans
Ryans took the allegations against Ward as seriously as they should have been taken. The congressman urged against jumping to conclusions without understanding all of the circumstances, which he called an injustice.
“I know there are a lot of allegations and things with Jimmie,” – Coach DeMeco Ryans
He went on to say that we should avoid jumping to hasty conclusions.
“We don’t know the true story, and I hate to jump to judgment on any situation with Jimmie.” – Coach DeMeco Ryans
Ryans once again emphasized that above all, we need to allow the legal process to proceed.
“Let whatever has to happen in the court system, let that play out.” – Coach DeMeco Ryans
He noted that the public is usually on the side of negativity when it comes to players facing charges.
“Everybody’s quick to jump on it and jump on the negative side with the players. Let’s just allow it to play out.” – Coach DeMeco Ryans
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