In a curious case that is still unfolding, a Pittsburgh man was arrested last Thursday on charges he attempted to extort money from former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.

Joshua Van Auker, 26, got himself on the radar of the Allegheny County district attorney’s office after sending a text message to Ward’s personal assistant, Raymond Burgess, Jr., with an ominous threat which had aims of ruining the four-time Pro Bowler’s image and reputation.

A criminal complaint written by investigators read that Van Auker was, “alleging that Ward committed the criminal offense of paying women for s-x, and thereby exposing Ward to ridicule or contempt.