Lost in the afternoon rush on the AFC North blog was the news that Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward pleaded guilty to reckless driving in exchange for his DUI charge getting dropped.

Getting the lesser charge is not a sign of preferential treatment for Ward because he had a couple of factors working in his favor. Ward, 35, didn't have any prior DUI arrests and he didn't take a Breathalyzer test.

DeKalb County Prosecutor Sonja N. Brown said Wednesday that Ward was given a year on probation, was fined $2,000 and must do 80 hours of community service. He also must undergo alcohol evaluation.

Ward was arrested July 9 at 2:30 a.m. when police pulled him over after he hit a curb.

In a statement, Ward's attorney and manager, Andy Reed, said: "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."

What remains unresolved is Ward's future in Pittsburgh. The salary-cap strapped Steelers need to make a decision on Ward before March 13, when they have to be under the cap. Ward is scheduled to make $4 million this season.