Colts Maintain Keenan Allen on Roster Following DUI Arrest

Keenan Allen remains part of the Indianapolis Colts lineup even after his arrest for a DUI on Sunday. General Manager Chris Ballard addressed the situation on Tuesday, indicating no immediate changes to Allen’s status. ‘Good people make mistakes,’ Ballard remarked while explaining the decision to keep the veteran wide receiver. ‘He’s a tremendous human being. Give him some grace. And he’ll work through the process of the legal system.’

The Colts seem committed to maintaining their plan. Allen joined the team late in training camp, as the Colts needed to cover for Alec Pierce’s recovery from a persistent calf and heel injury. He signed a one-year contract on August 19, reuniting with head coach Shane Steichen, with whom Allen had previously worked in Los Angeles.

Philip Rivers, a former Colts quarterback, vouched for Allen. Rivers and Allen had played together with the Chargers. ‘Fourteen years in a league, no issues,’ Ballard noted, emphasizing Allen’s decorated career and clear record. Ballard’s comments reflected River’s high regard for the wide receiver, complemented by Steichen’s positive experience with him.

Allen only played one preseason game for the Colts. Unfortunately, he was arrested hours later, around 1 a.m. Sunday, in downtown Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police found his vehicle improperly parked and noted signs of intoxication.

Allen was subsequently booked on preliminary misdemeanor charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, endangering another person, and having a blood-alcohol level of at least 0.08%. Specific details on Allen’s blood-alcohol level were not disclosed. He was taken to the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center and released later that day, although no bond amount was reported.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for deciding on formal charges against Allen. Meanwhile, the NFL is monitoring the situation and Allen may face consequences under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. His first court appearance is scheduled for September 16, just three days after the Colts’ season opener versus the Ravens.

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Armando Salguero is OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer.