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Former Auburn guard Varez Ward may avoid going to trial in point-shaving case

Varez Ward

Former Auburn basketball player Varez Ward departs the federal courthouse in Montgomery, Ala., Thursday, June 6, 2013, after pleading innocent while being arraigned on charges accusing him of conspiring to fix a game. Ward was arrested on Monday on charges of bribery related to a sports contest and conspiracy for allegedly trying to fix the point spread in Auburn’s game against Arkansas on Jan. 25, 2012. Ward came off the bench but crumpled to the floor after playing only 19 seconds with an apparent leg injury. Arkansas won 56-53.(AP Photo/Dave Martin)

AP

Just over four months after being indicted on charges of bribery and conspiracy in connection with a point-shaving scandal, it looks as if there’s a chance that former Auburn guard Varez Ward could avoid being tried. According to the Associated Press, Ward’s attorneys have requested that Ward be entered into a pre-trial diversion program and the U.S. attorney’s office in Montgomery is recommending that this route be taken.

Whether or not Ward actually avoids trial will be determined by the United States Probation Office and a federal judge, but this should be seen as a positive development for Ward.

[Federal prosecutor Clark] Morris said the program usually involves a fine and community service under the supervision of a probation officer. The charges are dismissed, but the defendant can be charged again if he doesn’t complete the program, she said.

The game in question was a 56-53 loss to Arkansas on January 19, 2012, in which Ward came off the bench but fell to the ground 19 seconds later due to an apparent leg injury. Just over a month later Ward, who began his collegiate career at Texas, was suspended for the remainder of the season and ultimately did not play another game for the Tigers.

This is the second point-shaving case in college basketball that has gone to court this offseason, with former San Diego guard Brandon Johnson being sentenced to six months in prison back in March. Johnson, who is USD’s all-time leader in points and assists, participated in a point-shaving operation during the 2009-10 season. In total five men, including a former assistant coach at San Diego, were convicted in that case.

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