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.
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.