Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen has been formally charged with two misdemeanors tied to his late-August drunk-driving arrest in downtown Indianapolis. Allen, 34, was initially arrested by Indianapolis police on Aug. 30; prosecutors filed criminal charges this week alleging operation of a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or higher (a Class A misdemeanor under Indiana law) and operating a vehicle while intoxicated (a Class C misdemeanor).
A probable cause affidavit obtained by ESPN says an officer found Allen at about 1 a.m. after a traffic inquiry at the same intersection; Allen had parked in a no-parking zone, and when he stepped out of his car the officer detected a strong smell of alcohol. A lieutenant retrieved a portable breath-test device after Allen agreed to be tested; officers reported an initial unsuccessful attempt to get a reading, then recorded a .224 result at 1:22 a.m., which would support the more serious charge. Allen was taken into custody and brought to the Indianapolis Criminal Justice Center, where officers report he showed multiple signs of impairment on field-sobriety tests, including missing several heel-to-toe steps. A blood sample was drawn at 2:08 a.m.; the affidavit did not include laboratory results.
Coach Shane Steichen said the Colts will let the legal process unfold, and the NFL is expected to address any disciplinary measures under its substance-abuse and alcohol policies. The league’s policy can carry a three-game suspension for substance-abuse violations and allows for stiffer penalties when intoxication levels are high; historically, the NFL often waits until legal proceedings are resolved before imposing discipline. An attorney conference in the case is set for Oct. 26.
Allen signed with the Colts in August on a one-year contract and had six catches for 32 yards in his Week 1 debut in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He is a six-time Pro Bowler who spent 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Fan take: This matters because Allen is a key veteran addition whose legal situation could affect his availability and the Colts’ receiving corps early in the season. More broadly, incidents like this continue to test the NFL’s disciplinary approach and affect public perception of player conduct off the field.
Source: www.espn.com
