Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has stated that wide receiver Keenan Allen will remain with the team following a recent DUI arrest, emphasizing the player's character and extensive career history.
"Good people make mistakes, OK?" Ballard said Tuesday. "He's a tremendous human being. Give him some grace. And he'll work through the process of the legal system."
Allen was signed by the Colts on August 19 to a one-year contract, providing depth at wide receiver. He reunited with head coach Shane Steichen, with whom he previously worked in Los Angeles. Former Colts quarterback Philip Rivers also endorsed Allen, having played with him on the Chargers.
Ballard highlighted Allen's 14-year NFL career, noting a lack of prior issues. "Decorated career, decorated teammate, as you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers. I know Philip holds him in extremely high regard, and Shane was with him," Ballard stated. "And after you meet his mom and dad who are just amazing people, we feel good about who he is. Unequivocally."
Allen participated in one preseason game for the Colts. Hours after that appearance on Saturday, he was arrested in downtown Indianapolis around 1 a.m. Sunday. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers observed Allen's vehicle in a no-parking zone and reported signs of intoxication.
Allen was booked on preliminary misdemeanor charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%. The precise blood-alcohol reading has not been publicly disclosed. He was released from the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center Sunday afternoon.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will determine final charges, and the NFL is monitoring the situation. Allen could face disciplinary action under the league's Personal Conduct Policy. His first court date is scheduled for September 16, three days after the Colts' regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.