The Denver Broncos have suspended team executives Matt Russsell and Tom Heckert indefinitely in connection with DUI incidents, according to ESPN.com and the Associated Press.
The team released a statement about the punishment and the NFL said it will not take additional action.
According to the Broncos, Heckert and Russell will receive "treatment resources as needed in the form of education, counseling and other rehabilitation programs." The team plans to monitor the two men’s recovery and legal issues in order to evaluate if/how they will move forward with the organization.
Police reports said Heckert, the team’s director of pro personnel, had a .162 blood-alcohol count when he was taken into custody, according to an article by the Denver Post last week. Russell, the team’s director of player personnel, had a BAC of.246 when he was arrested. The legal limit is .08.
"Although they have expressed great remorse, this in no way excuses their conduct," said team president Joe Ellis in a statement. "The decisions they made away from the workplace undermined the integrity of our organization and the NFL as well as the values instilled by Pat Bowlen during his ownership.
(You can take a look at Heckert’s statement here and Russell’s statement here.)
"Specifically and most disturbingly, their actions endangered the lives of innocent people."
Vice president of football operations John Elway said when he stepped into his position in 2011, he asked each member of the organization to remember they have "an individual responsibility to represent this team in the appropriate manner at all times."
"It's particularly disappointing that two members of my staff acted so irresponsibly. Simply put, it's unacceptable and inexcusable," said Elway.
Russell was arrested last week after he ran into the back of a Brechenridge police officer’s SUV. Bother Russell and the officer were taken to the hospital but were eventually released.
Heckert’s arrest occurred in June 11 but was not publicized until July 9.
According to Brodie Boilard, the town’s spokeswoman, Russell was in a small accident on July 6. The other driver notified law enforcement after Russell was suspected of being intoxicated.
Monday, the Post reported Broncos offensive lineman Quentin Saulsberry was taken into custody on May 19 under suspicion of driving while intoxicated. In 2012 Saulsberry was on the practice squad and received a four-game suspension after breaking the league’s rule on performance-enhancing drugs.
"We have been aware of Quentin Saulsberry's arrest and will continue to monitor the legal developments related to this matter, which is subject to review under the NFL's policies," Broncos spokesperson Patrick Smyth notified the paper on Monday.
