T.J. Ward gets community service

DENVER -- Prosecutors have agreed to drop charges against Broncos safety T.J. Ward in exchange for four hours of community service.

A judge accepted the deal on Monday during a brief hearing.

Ward, who signed with Denver as a free agent after coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Cleveland Browns, previously pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace charges for allegedly throwing a glass mug at a female bartender at PT's All Nude Club in May. 

He told the judge he understood the conditions of the program but said nothing else.

Melissa Drazen-Smith of the Denver city attorney's office says Ward must complete his service by Oct. 31 for the charges to be dismissed. The program is a common sentence for those with no criminal history.

The deal comes as the Broncos get ready for their preseason opener Thursday night against Seattle.