Broncos starting running back Melvin Gordon was charged with a DUI and speeding of 25-39 miles per hour over limit Tuesday night in downtown Denver, according to court records obtained by Denver7.
The Broncos issued the following statement regarding Gordon’s DUI charge: “We are aware of the situation involving Melvin Gordon. Our organization has been in communication with him and is in the process of gathering more details.”
Gordon did not practice Wednesday. He met with coach Vic Fangio at the practice facility and was sent home.
"I didn't want him to practice today until we get to the bottom of everything, get the facts in order, before we weigh what do in addition to league discipline. Yeah, I am disappointed. But my own two kids have disappointed me in my own life and I still love them," Fangio said. "There will be some consequences. Everything is open with him."
Based on NFL precedent, Gordon faces a three-game suspension for a first offense under the new collective bargaining agreement, absent of aggravating circumstances.
"We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under policies," an NFL spokesman told Denver7.
Even if Gordon is not suspended by the team separate of any league ruling, the Broncos could simply deactivate him Sunday. I asked Fangio how this situation was different than Kareem Jackson's last year. Jackson was cited for a DUI on Sept. 19, and was banned for the final two games by the NFL for violating the policy and program on substances of abuse. Jackson's arrest did not go public, coming into light when the NFL announced his discipline.
"There was a gray area in Kareem's situation," explained Fangio, who said there is an investigation on whether Gordon violated COVID-19 protocols by those he came into contact with or where he was before his arrest. "This is a teaching moment for all the guys. Obviously, there are going to be ramifications for Melvin if it proceeds like we think it will."
Gordon, 27, was cited at 5th Avenue and Speer Blvd., according to court records.
An officer stopped Gordon after he caught him driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone, a probable cause statement said. Gordon showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, a moderate odor of alcohol on his breath, swaying balance and watery eyes, the statement said.
He volunteered to take a sobriety test and "performed unsatisfactorily," the statement said. Authorities then took a blood sample from Gordon and those results are pending.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, DUI suspects are not required to be taken to the Denver jail. Gordon was released to a sober driver at the scene.
Gordon is coming off his best game as a Bronco, eclipsing 100 yards in a victory over the Jets. He became the full-time starter in Week 2 following Phillip Lindsay’s turf toe injury in the season-opener. Lindsy is now in line to start.
Court records indicate Gordon has an arraignment scheduled for Nov. 13.
"I was of course upset. But we are also here for him. It's like having a brother who gets in trouble. I hope he plays Sunday, but that's not up to me. That's above my pay grade," said quarterback Drew Lock, in line to start, if his shoulder remains healthy after a week of practice with first team. "We are there for him."
