PITTSBURGH—Authorities say a man faces charges for allegedly trying to extort $15,000 from retired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.

Allegheny County prosecutors say 26-year-old Joshua Van Auker was arrested Thursday after trying to extort the money from Ward through one of Ward's personal assistants. Authorities allege Van Auker threatened to release information alleging Ward had paid women for sex.

An affidavit says the assistant gave Van Auker money provided by law enforcement. Van Auker was placed under arrest by Allegeny County detectives.

Van Auker was awaiting arraignment Thursday and it was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. A telephone listing for him could not be located.

Ward was MVP when the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2006. He retired in March after 14 seasons with Pittsburgh.