- Derrick Ward pleads not guilty in series of alleged robberies in Los Angeles
- The former NFL star was arrested in December after allegedly robbing gas stations.
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news.
Former New York Giants running back Derrick Ward appeared in court Thursday after being arrested for a series of alleged robberies.
Ward, who was part of the Giants team that beat Tom Brady and the undefeated Patriots to win Super Bowl XLII in 2008, was arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Photos obtained exclusively by Mail Sport show the 43-year-old wearing a long-sleeved gray jumper as he pleads not guilty.
He was seen crossing his arms while sitting next to his attorney, Zachary C. Begle, and putting his hands to his face.
Ward was arrested last December in connection with the robbery of multiple businesses, including gas stations, TMZ reported at the time.
Derrick Ward appeared in court following his arrest for a series of alleged robberies last year.
The former New York Giants running back pleaded not guilty, less than 5 months after his arrest
He crossed his arms as he sat next to his attorney, Zachary C. Begle, in the courthouse.
Ward, pictured in 2004, played in the NFL for eight seasons from 2004-2011.
Police said the former athlete did not use a gun in any of his alleged robberies, but is accused of using “force” and “fear” to take money from stores.
His bail was set at $250,000.
Ward played in the NFL for eight seasons. between 2004 and 2011, spending time with the New York Jets, Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.
He was the Jets’ seventh round pick. 2004 draft, before signing a $17 million contract with the Buccaneers half a decade later.
The charges are believed to be related to the robbery of multiple businesses, including gas stations.
Ward, a 2004 draft pick, was arrested in December and his bail was set at $250,000.
Over the course of his career, Ward played in 93 games, rushing for a total of 2,628 yards and finishing with 15 touchdowns.
Although he was part of the 2008 Super Bowl-winning team, the embattled former athlete sat out the season finale due to a broken left leg.
“(It was) one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever gone through,” he said. told the New York Post At the time.
“To finally be able to do something in the league and help contribute to the season that we had and not be able to play in the Super Bowl, I always dreamed about that when I was a little kid,” he continued.
“I was excited because my teammates gave me a Super Bowl ring.”
The former Super Bowl champion allegedly used ‘strength’ and ‘fear,’ TMZ reported at the time.
Ward played for four NFL teams over eight seasons between 2004 and 2011.
He was part of the Giants team that beat Tom Brady and the Patriots to win Super Bowl XLII.