Former New York Giants running back Derrick Ward is fighting back in his robbery case … pleading not guilty to the charges that prosecutors hit him with last month.
The one-time Super Bowl champion appeared in a Los Angeles-area courtroom on Wednesday to issue the pleas, according to the New York Post.
Ward wore a light-colored sweater and black pants for the proceedings … and appeared stoic.
Former Giants Super Bowl champion Derrick Ward seen for first time since arrest for string of alleged robberies https://t.co/gjhGzkNc9V pic.twitter.com/OofUtx2iov
— New York Post (@nypost) January 3, 2024
@nypost
Court records show the 43-year-old is now facing seven counts of second-degree robbery in the case … after authorities say he stole from several businesses in L.A., including gas stations.
Officials claim Ward did not use a firearm to commit the crimes — but coerced employees to hand over goods using force and fear.
Ward was arrested back on Dec. 18 following the allegations. Records show he ultimately posted $100,000 bond this month. He’s now due back for another hearing in the case in early February.
Ward logged time in the NFL from 2004 to 2011 — and helped New York beat Tom Brady‘s undefeated Patriots in SB XLII.