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Colts’ Keenan Allen Tight-Lipped About Arrest, Plans to ‘Focus On Football’
(By James Boyd)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...arrest-regret/
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was tight-lipped on Thursday as he spoke to reporters for the first time since he was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Allen was taken into custody and spent several hours in the Marion County Jail before being released just before 4 PM ET on Sunday. He rejoined the team for practice this week, and Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that Allen will play in Week 1.
“Because it’s an ongoing legal matter, I’m not going to discuss it,” Allen said before being asked what he wants Colts fans to know about him. “I take my job seriously. I’m a good football player. And I try to be a good teammate.”
“I’m just focused on being a good football player, and getting ready for the season.”
Colts coach Shane Steichen also declined to address Allen’s arrest, saying, “Obviously, there’s a legal situation going on right now, and I’m going to keep everything in-house.”
Allen, 34, was charged with DWI/DUI/OWI endangering a person, and DWI/DUI/OWI with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more, according to an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department report. The charges are Class-A and Class-C misdemeanors, respectively. A Class-A misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000, per Indiana law. A Class-C misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can review Allen’s arrest and “may impose a fine, suspension, or other appropriate discipline if a player is convicted of or admits to a violation of the law …... relating to the use of alcohol,” according to the NFL’s policy and program on substances of abuse. A first-time alcohol-related offense with no aggravating circumstances warrants a 3-game suspension, per the policy. The NFL, however, typically lets the entire legal process play out before handing down a punishment. Based on recent precedent with other players, it stands to reason that Allen will probably be able to play the full season before being disciplined.
Allen signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.32 Million to join the Colts, reuniting with coach Shane Steichen. Allen and Steichen spent 7 years together with the Chargers, and Steichen was the team’s offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. Allen ranks 13th all-time with 1,055 catches, and he is one of just 18 players in league history to reach 1,000 receptions.
Allen, a 6-time Pro Bowler, was on the roster only 11 days before he was arrested, which came hours after he made his pre-season debut. Indianapolis police conducted a traffic investigation involving Allen in the 100 block of South Meridian Street, according to the police report. Officers investigated after observing a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone, according to an IMPD statement.
“Officers spoke to the driver, later identified as 34-year-old Keenan Allen, and noticed signs of intoxication,” IMPD said in its statement.
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