Derrick Ward Granted Mental Health Diversion in Robbery Case

Derrick Ward, a former Super Bowl champion, has received a mental health diversion program in lieu of prison time after being charged with robbery in the Los Angeles area. Recent court documents reveal that during a hearing on October 10, a judge mandated that Ward participate in the program. He is required to adhere to mental health treatment plans from “Find Your Balance Center” and “Brain Health USA Center” for the next two years.

As part of the program, the ex-New York Giants running back must refrain from owning or using any weapons and maintain a clean record over the two-year period. Ward faced a serious risk of incarceration after being hit with five felony robbery charges for allegedly using force and intimidation to rob various businesses, including gas stations, in 2023.

Ward, who played a pivotal role in the New York Giants’ victory against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, initially pleaded not guilty to the charges back in January. Despite his challenges, he will now focus on his mental health and compliance with the court’s conditions. Efforts to obtain comments from prosecutors regarding the case were unsuccessful.