Keenan Allen came to Indianapolis to bolster the depth of a young wide receiver room; the NFL’s ruling on the 13-year veteran will now halt those efforts.
The league has Allen facing a minimum three-game suspension after authorities charged him with two misdemeanors on Tuesday, stemming from a drunk-driving incident in downtown Indianapolis in August.
Allen, 34, was arrested by Indianapolis police last month and was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI).
The NFL mandates a three-game suspension under the collective bargaining agreement, and the suspension can extend if a player was intoxicated at a higher level.
While court proceedings sort themselves out, the Colts aren’t expecting Allen to miss any playing time. Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Wednesday that the team is allowing the legal process to play out.
The NFL is following suit as they plan to let Allen’s legal case conclude before enforcing disciplinary action. The next event is an attorney conference scheduled for Oct. 26.
According to police on the scene for the arrest, the Colts receiver had a blood alcohol level of .224—almost three times the legal limit.
A probable cause affidavit reveals that Allen’s blood-alcohol level initiated a higher Class A misdemeanor charge, per Indiana law.
Just after 1 a.m., an Indianapolis police sergeant noticed Allen’s vehicle parked in a no-parking zone while finishing up a separate traffic investigation. When the officer approached the car to investigate, he immediately smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Allen.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard has publicly supported Allen during this time.
“I’m not going to comment on what happened, but what I’m going to tell you is good people make mistakes,” Ballard said. “He’s a tremendous human being. Give him some grace, and he’ll work through the process of the legal system.”
Allen joined the Colts on a one-year, $3.32 million deal that could become $8.32 million if he hits his incentives.
The six-time Pro Bowler had six catches for 32 yards in his Colts debut last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Indianapolis now travels to Kansas City to face the 1-0 Chiefs on “SNF”.
