Hines Ward's DUI charges dropped; pleads guilty to reckless driving

By Marcus K. Garner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

DeKalb County DUI charges were dropped Wednesday against Pittsburgh Steeler and former UGA receiver Hines Ward, who pleaded guilty instead to reckless driving in connection with a July arrest.

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Gene J. Puskar, AP Hines Ward pleaded guilty instead to reckless driving in connection with a July arrest.

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The Super Bowl MVP also pleaded "no contest" to a charge of failing to maintain his lane as part of a plea agreement that the DeKalb solicitor's office drop the DUI charge.

Ward was sentenced to serve 12 months probation, 80 hours of community service and a $2,000 fine. He is also required to undergo an alcohol evaluation and participate in a risk reduction program.

State court Judge Stacey Hydrick agreed to allow Ward to check in via phone or email during his probation to accommodate travel as an NFL player.

DeKalb County police pulled Ward over around 2:30 a.m. on July 9 on Buford Highway near Briarwood Road for failing to stay in his lane and hitting a curb.

Police said he failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a Breathalyzer test, and was arrested.

He was released from the DeKalb County jail after posting $1,000 bond.