Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward is facing a civil lawsuit after being arrested in June on a felony domestic violence charge. The suit, filed on Wednesday in Harris County, Texas, accuses Ward of violently assaulting the plaintiff, including allegations of sexual and physical abuse in the presence of their three-year-old child. The woman is seeking damages exceeding $20 million.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff claims Ward subjected her to emotional abuse, financial manipulation, drug use, and threats against her life. The details outlined in the suit describe an incident on June 12, leading to Ward’s arrest, where he allegedly slapped, choked, and threatened her, even forcing her to perform oral sex. In a desperate attempt to escape, she reportedly fled their home with their child and called 911 from the street.
The lawsuit highlights that since Ward’s arrest, he has allegedly violated his bond agreement by contacting the woman. Furthermore, he was arrested earlier this month for another breach after testing positive for alcohol.
The Texans have declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter. The National Football League (NFL) acknowledged awareness of the arrest and stated it has been in communication with the Texans regarding the situation. Houston’s general manager Nick Caserio addressed Ward’s initial arrest on the first day of training camp, emphasizing the team’s intention to let the legal process unfold naturally.
“We will work with the league. We will be compliant on our end, do the best we can,” Caserio stated. “Whatever the outcome is, we’ll handle it accordingly.”
Ward, aged 34, has been placed on the Texans’ physically unable to perform list due to a foot injury at the start of training camp and has not yet been activated. His criminal case is set to be reviewed by a grand jury on August 31.
This situation follows a troubling trend within the organization, as Ward’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, previously represented multiple women in their sexual misconduct and assault cases against former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. The connection raises further scrutiny regarding the Houston Texans and their handling of allegations of abuse and misconduct.
As this case unfolds, the implications for Ward, the Texans, and the NFL remain significant, highlighting the ongoing challenges sports organizations face in addressing serious allegations against their players.
