DENVER -- Broncos star linebacker Von Miller is under investigation, the Parker Police Department confirmed to Denver7 on Friday.
Parker Police told Denver7 that if a crime has occurred, it will submit the case to the district attorney's office. No exact date was given on the start of the investigation, though it is believed to have been opened recently. Details were not provided regarding the nature of the investigation, the potential charges or if investigators have interviewed Miller.
"We are aware of an investigation involving Von Miller and are in the process of gathering more information," the Broncos said in a statement released Friday afternoon.
A well-placed source has confirmed to Denver7 chief investigative reporter Tony Kovaleski that investigators are looking into claims of possible domestic abuse. Issues that remain unanswered, according to the source: was the alleged domestic abuse verbal or physical or from a spurned lover? The source stressed that charges have not been filed and authorities have not established whether accusations against Miller have merit.
Miller trended last week on Twitter for alleged text messages to his former fiancee. Denver7 has confirmed that the investigation involves this woman. Megan Denise, his ex-fiancee, addressed the media reports regarding an investigation into Miller on her Instagram story (@meganxdenise) on Friday afternoon, saying "at no point in our relationship was there any type of physical abuse or violence by Von."
"In light of recent media reports regarding my relationship with Von, I feel that I need to address a couple of things. First and foremost, at no point in our relationship was there any type of physical abuse or violence by Von, whatsoever. For anyone to say otherwise, or to speculate such, is wrong. With regards to my social media posts, a part was misconstrued and taken out of context. I do regret making a private situation public, and in doing so, bringing unwanted attention to both Von and myself. Von and I are excited to be welcoming our baby into the world, and are committed to raising our child with love and compassion, together as a family. Sincerely Megan Denise."
The three-time All-Pro linebacker was scheduled to be on Nickelodeon's pregame broadcast prior to the Chicago Bears-New Orleans Saints game last Sunday, but did not appear on the show.
Powerful Colorado attorney Harvey Steinberg is representing Miller, and when reached on Friday, Steinberg declined comment. Miller's agent Joby Branion has also not responded.
Miller has reached a crossroads in his Broncos career. He is arguably the greatest defensive player in franchise history, the Super Bowl 50 MVP, and a future Hall of Famer. However, he missed all of last season after dislocating his left ankle tendon in the week leading up to the season opener against the Titans. It was a crushing blow for Miller, who had dedicated himself to rebounding in 2020 after posting eight sacks in 2019, his lowest total since 2013.
After contracting COVID-19 in the spring, which led to him facing his own mortality because of his asthma and breathing issues, Miller became laser focused. He added roughly 10 pounds of muscle leading up to training camp. And he vowed to become a better leader, inspired by Kobe Bryant's passing and "The Last Dance" documentary featuring Michael Jordan. Teammates noticed a difference in training camp as he paced drills and was more vocal in holding players accountable.
However, he is 31 and due an $18 million salary in 2021. The Broncos and new general manager George Paton must decide whether to pick up Miller's option by March 17, guaranteeing him $7 million. It has left his future uncertain, and it's unlikely he would return at his current salary.
Miller was suspended for six games in 2013 for violating the league's substance abuse policy, but has not been in trouble with the league since. With the arrival of DeMarcus Ware, Miller became a better player, reaching his zenith with the 2015 postseason run.
Miller boasts 106 sacks in 135 regular season games, and has made eight Pro Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro three times.
