NFL places Texans S Jimmie Ward on Commissioner’s Exempt List: Source

The NFL placed Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, a team source confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday. Ward will not be allowed to attend any practices, meetings or games while on the list.

Ward, 34, was arrested Aug. 7 on a felony warrant in Texas, following a June arrest in which he was charged with felony family assault.

Last week, a lawsuit was filed that alleges Ward physically and sexually assaulted Cristy West, with whom he shares a child.

According to the lawsuit, Ward “lured” West to his townhouse in April, “under the pretense of giving her money for their son’s karate lessons.” During the visit, Ward allegedly cornered West and sexually assaulted her by forcing her to touch his genitals and demanding she perform sexual acts. West said she screamed and escaped Ward’s home.

Three months later, on June 12, Ward allegedly forced his way into West’s home, and she suspected he was under the influence of methamphetamine, or crystal meth. West said she had previously seen Ward take the drug and that he had been violent with her in the past while intoxicated.

Ward was arrested in June and charged with felony family assault. He was arrested again on Aug. 7 after allegedly testing positive for alcohol, a violation of his bond.

A first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2014, Ward was already not participating in practice as the Texans placed him on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp due to a foot injury he suffered last season.

He has started every game he’s played for the Texans, tallying 98 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble in 20 games.

(Photo: Mike Carlson / Getty Images)