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Varez Ward’s request for pretrial diversion denied

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

Due to the fact that former Auburn basketball player Varez Ward, who is up on two charges related to an alleged point-shaving scandal, has no prior criminal offenses lawyer Everett Hess was hopeful that his client’s request to enter a pretrial diversion plan would be granted by the prosecution.

No such luck for Ward as it was reported Wednesday that the prosecution has denied the request, with the prosecution not giving a reason in regards to why they made the decision either. The game prosecutors have zeroed in on is Auburn’s 56-53 loss at Arkansas on January 25, 2012.

Wess said based on what he has learned through discovery, it appears prosecutors will allege that Ward made an agreement with one other person and asked teammates to participate. He questioned whether prosecutors would be able to prove to a jury that there was a conspiracy and an agreement.

According to statsheet.com the final line for that contest was Arkansas -9.5, and Ward did not play in that particular game due to the fact that he was suspended after the school learned that the FBI was investigating the possibility of Ward shaving points.

Ward’s trial begins on November 4 in Montgomery. On May 30 he was indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud and bribery in sporting contests. He pleaded not guilty to both charges

Raphielle can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.