Two Denver Broncos executives will be disciplined by the team following drunk driving charges, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter citing league sources.
The sources say Broncos Director of Pro Personnel Tom Heckert and their director of player personnel, Matt Russell, could both face very long suspensions and bans.
Heckert, 45, was taken into custody on June 11 and is facing charges of driving under the influence and careless driving, said the Douglas County Sherriff’s Department.
News of Heckert’s arrest was released Tuesday—a day after an apology from Russell, 40, for his arrest on suspicious of drunk driving.
Tom Nalen, a former Broncos center, tweeted about the incident on Wednesday. Nalen hosts a radio show on 105.5 ESPN Denver.
Nalen believes the Broncos should have publicized Heckert’s arrest and dealt with it sooner.
His tweet read, “maybe if the broncos were more proactive in dealing with Heckert, Russell doesn't get the DUI. Cowards.”
“I deeply regret the poor judgment I demonstrated that resulted in my arrest over the weekend,” said Russell through a statement released by the Broncos. “I apologize to the Denver Broncos, our fans and the National Football League for this inexcusable mistake. I'm ashamed that I represented this region and the Broncos organization in the manner that I did. I take complete responsibility for my actions and will be fully accountable. Going forward, I will take steps to ensure this never happens again."
Heckert also issued a statement according to the Denver Broncos website:
"I am extremely disappointed that in my short time with the Broncos I have made such a serious mistake. My actions last month have brought embarrassment to the organization, and I fully understand the consequences that are involved. I am truly sorry and take complete responsibility for this situation.
"Although I have let many people down, I will learn from this and work toward regaining the trust that I have lost."
Team President James Ellis also spoke about the incident.
"These are egregious errors," he said. "The only good thing is nobody was seriously or critically hurt. Both employees have been on the record expressing their remorse, and that's all well and good. But it's not going to prevent us from addressing this in the right manner.”
Team owner Pat Bowlen was also livid according to Ellis.
"What I would say is (he) is just shaking his head with disbelief and disappointment," Ellis said.
