This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Montgomery, Ala. • A federal judge has delayed the point-shaving trial of former Auburn basketball player Varez Ward to allow him time to apply for entry into a pretrial diversion program.

Ward had been set for trial July 22. But U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins delayed it to Nov. 4 because Ward wants to apply for a pretrial diversion program and he wouldn't have time before July 22. Court records show federal prosecutors had no opposition to the delay.

Ward was arrested June 3 on charges of bribery related to a sports contest and conspiracy counts. He's accused of trying to fix the point spread in Auburn's Southeastern Conference game against Arkansas on Jan. 25, 2012. He has pleaded not guilty.

Ward lives in Montgomery and no longer attends Auburn.