The Houston Texans are letting the legal process play out with veteran safety Jimmie Ward. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans leaned into that messaging on Thursday. Ward is entering his third season with the Texans after initially signing in 2023.
He faces felony charges stemming from his arrest after the mother of his child, Cristy West, accused him of multiple acts of violence.
He is also facing a civil lawsuit, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
“I know there are a lot of allegations and things with Jimmy. We don’t know the true story of all those, and I hate to jump to rush judgment on any situation, right, with Jimmy. We’ll let the situation play itself out. Let whatever has to happen in the court system, let that play out,” Ryans told reporters on August 21.
“I think it’s unfair to rush to judgment when allegations and stories come out on players. Everybody’s quick to jump on it and jump on the negative side with the players. Let’s just allow it to play out, and we’ll see what happens when everything is over.”
Ward, 34, recorded 38 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 INT touchdown for the Texans during the 2024 regular season.
Attorney Predicts Jimmie Ward Will Beat Domestic Violence Charges
GettyJimmie Ward #20 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins.
According to KPRC 2 Texans beat reporter Aaron Wilson, the lawsuit against Ward seeks financial retribution of “$20 million.” It alleges multiple instances of “violent, felonious and egregious behavior.”
“We are aware of the Harris County civil lawsuit that was filed,” Ward’s attorney, Steve Jackson, said, per Wilson on August 21. “This is the same civil lawsuit that was filed against Mr. Ward by other attorneys who also previously tried and failed in a jury trial to prove that Jimmie was married to Ms. West. It is our intention at this time to focus on the criminal allegations and the upcoming grand jury hearing in hopes of this matter being dismissed.”
Tony Buzbee filed the suit against Ward.
Buzbee led the legal charge against former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, now of the Cleveland Browns.
Wilson noted that Jackson “previously predicted that Ward will be ‘vindicated’ and asked people to withhold judgment before he has his day in court.”
Ward’s legal issues are not the only hurdles the Texans’ veteran is navigating.
Jimmie Ward at Critical Point With Texans
GettyJimmie Ward #20 of the Houston Texans reacts after an interception against the Detroit Lions.
Ward has started 20 games for the Texans over the past two seasons. He is on an expiring one-year, $4.5 million contract.
Even without the off-field concerns, which include another arrest on August 7 after he tested positive for alcohol in violation of his previous probation terms and spent a night in jail, Ward’s time with the Texans may be closer to ending than not.
The Texans acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles this spring.
Gardner-Johnson helped the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory last season. He brings a high-energy, playmaking presence to the defensive backfield.
The newcomer suffered a knee injury that has sidelined him in training camp. But Ward is on the Active/Physically unable to perform (PUP) list while he recovers from offseason surgery on his foot, unable to help the Texans.
The Texans also have young starters Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre.
Pitre plays nickelback, and the Texans often utilize him like a linebacker. But he is a safety by trade, and another reason why Ward may not be long for the Texans.
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