Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is facing a suspension of at least three games as he faces two misdemeanors tied to a DUI arrest from late August, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
According to the NFL's substance of abuse policy, a player who admits to or is convicted for a violation of the law involving alcohol faces a three-game suspension for a first offense. The policy also says that aggravating circumstances – including "extreme intoxication (BAC of .15% or more)" – could come with "increased discipline."
Here's more to know about the charges against Allen and when he might face his suspension.
Keenan Allen DUI charges
Allen was originally detained at 1:22 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, by an officer of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Allen submitted
to a portable breath test that showed an alcohol concentration equivalent (ACE) of .224, according to a probable cause affidavit viewed by the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY network. Police officially arrested Allen later that day following a standardized field sobriety test and blood draw, and he was booked into Marion County Jail. He was released in the afternoon.
Allen is now facing a Class A misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent (ACE) of 0.15 or more, according to the Indianapolis Star. He also is facing a Class C misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI), – Indiana state law's terminology for what is more commonly known as a DUI.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most severe level of a misdemeanor charge. Any person found guilty of such a charge "shall be imprisoned for a fixed term of not more than one (1) year; in addition, he may be fined not more than five thousand dollars," according to Indiana state law.
Meanwhile, Class C misdemeanors can result in a prison sentence of fewer than 60 days and a fine of fewer than $500.
When will Keenan Allen be suspended?
Per usual, the NFL is expected to wait until Allen's legal process plays out before levying a suspension against the veteran receiver, as Schefter reports. The next event on Allen's case docket – an attorney conference – will come on Oct. 26.
Should Allen's case docket remain unchanged, that will allow him to continue playing for the Colts at least through Week 7.
It's also entirely possible the NFL will wait to suspend Allen until the 2027 NFL season. Should that happen, it isn't clear whether that would have a significant impact on Allen. The 34-year-old receiver is in the twilight of his 14-year NFL career and didn't sign with the Colts until Aug. 19.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colts' Keenan Allen is facing 3-game suspension. When could it be?
