Ward pleads guilty to reckless driving, gets community...

None — ATLANTA, Ga. -- Target 11's Rick Earle reported that Hines Ward pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in a DUI case on Wednesday.

Earle said Ward appeared in court and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Ward’s attorney, Andy Ree, said the prosecution dropped the most serious charge of DUI because it was clear they didn’t have a case.

Ward was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and do 80 hours of community service, officials said. He was also given 12 months of probation.

Ree issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon: “By dropping the DUI charge, it is clear that the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence to proceed. Hines has always maintained that his ability to drive was in no way impaired and we are pleased that the facts supported his innocence.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was pulled over outside Atlanta last July. Police said he couldn't keep his balance and had trouble reciting the alphabet.

According to the police report, a portable alcohol sensor test, which is not admissible in court, revealed a 0.128 reading. The legal limit is 0.08.

Police said Ward refused to take an official Breathalyzer test.

Following the incident Ree issued a statement saying the 35-year-old Ward cooperated fully with police and truthfully answered their questions.

“On July 9, Hines Ward was stopped by DeKalb County police for suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence. He cooperated fully with the police and truthfully answered all of their questions. We are currently in the process of ascertaining all the facts,” Ree said. “From our preliminary investigation, we can tell you that we are confident that the facts will show that Hines was not impaired by alcohol while driving. However, Hines is deeply saddened by this incident and apologizes to his fans and the Steelers organization for this distraction."

WPXI