The 2017 season was not a banner year for T.J. Ward on the field and, if nothing else, his 2018 isn't off to a beautiful start. The three-time Pro Bowl and one-time Super Bowl champion safety was arrested in Tampa and that arrest came as a result of charges of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.
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#Bucs S T.J. Ward was arrested today on charges of possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia, per online records. Ward was released from jail this morning after posting $2,500 bond.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2018
ProFootballTalk cites the arrest record itself and it indicates that Ward was released after "he did not occupy a jail cell" along with the reported $2,500 bond.
The 2017 season was utterly forgettable for the once-dominant defensive back, as the now 31-year-old played in only 12 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while appearing largely in a reserve role. This stands in stark contrast to previous years, with Ward reaching the Pro Bowl for both the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos and helping the Broncos to a Super Bowl win.
It will be interesting to see if the arrest itself will cost Ward in terms of his upcoming free agency or even if it produces a fine or suspension once he lands with a new team. Regardless, this is not the way that anyone would want to begin the new year, especially after what anyone would describe as sub-optimal circumstances for the last several months.
