“I think it’s unfair to rush to judgement when allegations and stories come out on players,” Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans said.
HOUSTON — Houston Texans player Jimmie Ward is facing a $20 million lawsuit from the mother of his child, who alleges he physically injured and traumatized her in an alleged incident that led to his arrest in June.
The lawsuit comes as Ward deals with criminal charges stemming from the same incident. He was initially charged with assault of a family member, impeding breath. The civil suit alleges assault and drug use, according to the claims made by the mother of Ward’s child.
Ward’s criminal defense attorney acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit but told KHOU 11 that their focus remains on the criminal case and the upcoming grand jury proceedings. A grand jury is expected to hear details on the case later this month.
The legal troubles have drawn attention during the football season, with Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans addressing the situation at practice.
“I think it’s unfair to rush to judgement when allegations and stories come out on players” Ryans said. “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.”
Steve Jackson, criminal defense attorney for Jimmie Ward, released a statement, saying the following:
“We are aware of the Harris County civil law suit that was filed yesterday. 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.”
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