Colts GM says wide receiver Keenan Allen will play despite DWI arrest
The Indianapolis Colts announced that veteran receiver Keenan Allen will remain on the roster for the season opener after his recent DWI arrest, though the league may still impose discipline.
The Indianapolis Colts said veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen will be eligible to play in the team's season-opening game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13, despite being arrested on preliminary DWI charges Sunday morning. General manager Chris Ballard told reporters that the club will not impose internal punishment, adding that "good people make mistakes" and urging fans to give Allen "some grace."
Police stopped Allen's vehicle in a downtown Indianapolis no-parking zone around 1 a.m., observed signs of intoxication and placed him under arrest. He was released later that day and has a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 16. While the Colts are not disciplining him, the NFL could still levy a fine or suspension if he is convicted or pleads guilty, as that would trigger the league's substance-abuse policy.
Allen, who signed a one-year contract with Indianapolis after nine seasons with the Chargers, recorded 777 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 81 catches last year and ranks 13th all-time in NFL receptions.