Keenan Allen remains part of the Indianapolis Colts following his DUI arrest last Sunday. General manager Chris Ballard addressed the situation on Tuesday, indicating that Allen will stay with the team for the foreseeable future.
“Good people make mistakes, OK?” Ballard stated, justifying the decision to retain the veteran wide receiver as they approach their regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. “He’s a tremendous human being. Give him some grace. And he’ll work through the process of the legal system.”
The Colts took Allen on board late in training camp, providing insurance as Alec Pierce recovered from calf and heel issues. Allen, 34, reunited with head coach Shane Steichen, who previously collaborated with him in Los Angeles.
Philip Rivers, a former Colts quarterback and Allen’s teammate with the Chargers, supported the decision. This endorsement highlights Allen’s long-standing relationship with Rivers and Steichen. Ballard emphasized Allen’s career and character, noting, “Fourteen years in a league, no issues, OK? 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.” He praised Allen’s family as well, adding, “After you meet his mom and dad… we feel good about who he is. Unequivocally.”
Allen played in a single preseason game for the Colts. However, following his Saturday appearance, he was arrested at approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday in downtown Indianapolis. Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated after Allen’s vehicle was noticed parked in a no-parking zone. Signs of intoxication were reported.
Allen faces preliminary misdemeanor charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering another person, with a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%. Details of his exact blood-alcohol reading have not been disclosed.
Allen was detained at the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center and released Sunday afternoon. The Prosecutor’s Office will finalize charges while the NFL monitors the incident. Allen may face discipline under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. His initial court date is scheduled for Sept. 16, three days after their game against the Ravens.
Sports fans can follow updates on the story as it develops through sports writer Armando Salguero’s coverage.