Super Bowl champion arrested, accused of robbing at least 5 businesses

Former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion Derrick Ward was arrested for allegedly robbing multiple businesses in California.

Ward, who was on the historic 2007-2008 New York Giants team that beat the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, was accused of robbing at least five southern California businesses, including gas stations, NBC News reported.

Law enforcement noted that Ward was not suspected of using a firearm during any of his offenses. The Los Angeles Police Department added that the 43-year-old was measured at six feet tall and 230 lbs.

Ward was held in LAPD custody on $250,000 bail, according to jail records reported on by NBC News.

Ward played eight seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the New York Jets in 2004 and collected over 2,600 yards with one 1,000-rushing-yard season.

NFL players have steadily been making headlines in relation to alleged crimes in 2023.

Linebacker for the Buffalo Bills Von Miller recently turned himself in for an alleged assault of his pregnant girlfriend. Miller was charged with third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman — which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones was also arrested over accusations of domestic violence stemming from alleged scratch marks left on his child's mother's neck during a custody argument.

The Las Vegas Raiders' Roderic Teamer was accused of a DUI, while New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was accused of battery for shoving a construction worker.

All four athletes' arrests came in November 2023, with 23 active NFL players arrested throughout the year, according to USA Today.

Meanwhile, former Bills punter Matt Araiza was recently cleared of allegations of rape. The San Diego District Attorney's Office concluded that Araiza could not have been part of an alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old in October 2021. Araiza allegedly left the off-campus party at least an hour before the incident allegedly occurred.

Ward's manager could not be immediately reached for comment by NBC News, nor was it apparent that the former athlete had an attorney representing him.

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