Colts keep Keenan Allen despite DWI arrest; roster set for opener
The Indianapolis Colts retained wide receiver Keenan Allen on their 53-man roster despite his arrest for driving while intoxicated early Sunday. Allen faces two misdemeanor charges, but the team chose not to release him given his experience and importance. The NFL could suspend him, but any punishment may come after the legal process concludes.
Allen's arrest occurred roughly six hours after he appeared in his first preseason game with Indianapolis, and police noted signs of intoxication when they encountered him parked illegally. He was booked and released from Marion County jail later that same afternoon, with a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 16 — three days after the Colts open their season against Baltimore. The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.32 million this month.
The team's decision to keep Allen aligns with league precedent regarding alcohol-related offenses. Both Jordan Addison and Charles Snowden faced DUI charges in recent years, and in each case the NFL waited until the legal process concluded before announcing three-game suspensions. Indianapolis also kept three quarterbacks, with Anthony Richardson Sr. completing 21 of 33 passes for 249 yards and one interception across three preseason games while competing for the backup role behind Daniel Jones.
This story could influence how teams weigh veteran talent against off-field conduct when building rosters. The Colts' decision may signal that proven production and clean prior records still carry significant weight in roster decisions, potentially shaping expectations for how other franchises handle similar situations. Fans and advocacy groups may scrutinize the league's response timeline, as delayed discipline can create uncertainty for teams and players. The outcome could also affect public perception of the NFL's substance-abuse policies and their consistency.