Houston Texans cornerback Jimmie Ward was navigating a difficult moment in his personal life after being accused of domestic violence. However, a grand jury ruled there was no probable cause to move forward with the case, clearing the way for Ward to focus entirely on the upcoming season. The decision allows him to turn his attention back to football without the looming legal battle.
Stephen Jackson, Ward’s attorney, released a statement expressing his client’s relief over the outcome and emphasizing his innocence.
Today we presented our grand jury packet and evidence to the grand jury to show that Mr. Ward was factually innocent of the allegations against him.”…”The district attorney also provided information to the grand jury, that we believe, assisted the grand jury in coming to the conclusion that Mr. Ward should be no billed. We believe not only was he exonerated by the grand jury but that the actions of the grand jury show that Jimmie was factually innocent.
Jackson continued by thanking those who stood by Ward during the investigation.
We and Jimmie want to thank the National Football League commissioner [Roger] Goodell, the Houston Texans organization, and the ownership for their patience in this situation and their belief in Jimmie to let the facts all come out and not rush to judgment. Now Jimmie can resume his role with the Texans and their quest for the Super Bowl, and also allows him to get back to the community and how he gives back to the City of Houston. What happened to Jimmie was wrong. And we truly thank everybody who waited to hear the results before rushing to judgment and taking action.
The accusation against Ward
The incident dates back to June 12, when Ward’s fiancée accused him of assaulting her. She claimed that during an altercation around 4:30 a.m. at a residence in Magnolia, Texas, the Texans defensive back allegedly “assaulted, strangled, and threatened” her.
Ward immediately denied all allegations and urged the public not to judge him for something he insisted he did not do. Despite his denials, the legal process moved forward, creating uncertainty around his future both on and off the field.
Although the criminal charges have now been dropped, Ward is still facing a civil lawsuit stemming from the same incident. Last month, the NFL placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list, preventing him from participating in games or team activities while the league continues its independent review of the matter.
Texans’ rough start to the season
On the field, the Texans have struggled early in the 2025 season. Houston dropped its first two games, opening with a 14-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. In their second outing, they fell heartbreakingly to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers edged them out in the closing minutes by a single point, winning 20-19 and leaving the Texans winless.
Looking ahead, Houston will attempt to secure its first victory of the year when they face divisional rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in what is expected to be a pivotal matchup for the team’s morale and momentum.
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