Hines Ward: Steelers WR Pleads Guilty to Reckless Driving in DUI Case Plea Deal

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward had his DUI charges dropped after pleading guilty to reckless driving, according to Marcus Garner of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. 

The report also says that Ward was sentenced to 12 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, a $2,000 fine, he must undergo alcohol evaluation and participate in a risk reduction program. 

The incident occurred on July 9 in Dekalb County, Georgia when he was arrested early in the morning for running his car onto a curb. 

Ward can put this incident behind him and work on making sure it doesn't happen again. He is still waiting to see what the Steelers are going to do with him. 

He will be 36 years old in March, is coming off the worst season of his career and is due to make $4 million in 2012 and 2013. There have been reports that the team won't bring Ward back as part of their efforts to get under the salary cap. 

Ward is the Steelers' career leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083) and touchdown catches (85). He was also named MVP of Super Bowl XL and been named to four Pro Bowls in his 14 years with the team. 

Considering the emergence of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown in recent years, the Steelers have the luxury of opening up a spot at the wide receiver position they haven't had in a long time. 

Rumors were circulating that he could retire after the Steelers lost to Denver in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, but Ward shot them down. 

It is going to be a chaotic next couple of months for Ward. With his DUI charges stricken from the record, he can focus on what to do with his NFL career.

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