The Red and Black

By MATTHEW GRUND Staff Writer

Former University football star Hines Ward is expected to sign-off on a deal next Wednesday that offers him the chance to avoid court hearings for a January arrest, according to Ward's attorney, Ed Tolley.

Ward, a wide receiver, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass at Stegeman Coliseum on Jan. 6 after ignoring a police order to clear a corridor where he was allegedly obstructing accessibility to the game.

According to Ken Mauldin, Athens-Clarke County Solicitor General, Ward is being offered the chance to enter a pre-trial diversion program in lieu of court hearings.

Mauldin said if Ward finishes the program, which involves performing community service, then the charges against him will be dropped.

"We agreed to dismiss the charges if he successfully completes the program," Mauldin said.

The program, which was started in 1991, allows first-time offenders in non-traffic, non-violent and non-drug offenses who commit a minor misdemeanor to perform community service in exchange for their charges being dropped.

Tolley said he was pleased with the offer.

"It's a minor issue that has come to a good resolution," Tolley said.

Mauldin said Ward was not receiving any special treatment as a result of the program.

"I'm really intent on making sure he is treated the same as anyone else in the program," Mauldin said.

Tolley agreed Ward was not to be treated any different because of his football-star status.

"Nothing special is being done for him that wouldn't be done for anyone else," Tolley said.

Tolley also said Ward is already involved in a great deal of community service.

"This would certainly fit in with what he already does," Tolley said. "He is a very mature and practical person."

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