A Virginia man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he tied his wife to a chair in the basement so he could watch a Sunday Night Football game upstairs without being disturbed. Terry Ward, 64, was arrested following the incident, according to police reports and court documents reviewed by Virginia Statewide Incidents. Richmond police were called to the couple’s home at around 11:30 p.m. on a Sunday after a report of a domestic disturbance.
When officers arrived, Ward’s wife told them what had happened. According to the Daily Mail, the woman said her husband had used adhesive tape to tie her to a chair in the basement before heading upstairs to watch the rest of the football game. Officers reportedly noticed visible marks and tape residue on both of her arms.
He was arrested and charged with felony abduction and misdemeanor assault
The woman estimated that she had been stuck in the basement for between 30 and 45 minutes before police were called. Ward reportedly admitted to the officers that he had tied up his wife. The investigating officer wrote in the complaint: “Ward Terry stated that he did indeed tie his wife to a chair and place her down in the basement.”
Ward was arrested and charged with felony abduction as well as misdemeanor assault on a family member. Under Virginia law, abduction involves detaining or concealing another person through force, intimidation, or deception with the intent to deprive them of their personal liberty.
Ward is due in Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on Nov. 10 for a court appearance where the preliminary evidence will be considered. News of the arrest soon spread across social media, where the unusual circumstances drew plenty of reactions.
Some users on social media thought the situation was funny
Some commenters on Facebook and X made jokes about the incident, focusing on the lengths a football fan might go to avoid missing a game. One wrote, “imagine explaining this to the judge ‘your honor, the game was on’” Another commented, “He didn’t want a divorce he wanted commercial free football.”
@DailyLoud imagine explaining this to the judge 😂 “your honor, the game was on”
— Elsa (@Elsavzei) October 21, 2026
@DailyLoud He didn’t want a divorce he wanted commercial free football
— No I.D (@Josinz2) October 21, 2026
Not everyone found the situation funny. Other users called out the jokes, pointing out that tying someone to a chair and leaving them trapped in a basement is a serious matter, regardless of what was on television.
Richmond police have not released further details about whether alcohol was involved or whether there had been previous domestic disturbances at the home. Ward remains subject to legal proceedings ahead of his scheduled court appearance.
Published: Oct 21, 2026 01:00 pm