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Matt Russell suspended indefinitely w/out pay, Tom Heckert suspended 1 month w/out pay. Treatment provided as needed http://t.co/3H93t9hBcg.
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 15, 2013
As far as this matter goes, it still remains an embarrassment to a world class organization that has every aspiration of making a serious run at a championship this year. Once you break down the fact that Russell allegedly hit a police car during his infraction, the severity of his suspension when compared to the relative wrist slap Heckert received for his alleged infraction seems to make a little more sense. One also has to wonder if Heckert receives a bit of a "pass" because he is relatively new to the organization.
I should also mention that Russell allegedly committed his DUI AFTER Heckert had allegedly committed his. Internally, the Broncos were already dealing with the situation and Russell would have known about it. The fact that he still went out and (allegedly) did the same thing makes his mistake stand out a bit more.
Not sure if the NFL will still weigh in on the matter--I would expect some sort of fine to be levied on the organization.
Of course news also trickled out today that reserve offensive lineman Quentin Saulsberry was also arrested on suspicion of DUI in May.
Good luck to both Matt Russell and Tom Heckert, hopefully they both receive the help they need.
Now, let's put this mess behind us and concentrate on football, GO BRONCOS!!!
UPDATES
NFL has informed the Broncos it has no plans for further punishment for Heckert and Russell transgressions.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 15, 2013
... That does not mean, by the way, that the Broncos won't be subject to the league's salary remittance policy for these suspensions.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 15, 2013
Broncos Prez Joe Ellis: "When Matt returns will basically be up to Matt. But the suspension will not be days or weeks, it will be months.'
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) July 15, 2013
Here's a quick primer on "salary remittance"
Although typically enforced in relation to players, commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to apply non-player suspensions. Under the policy, the league can fine the team an increasing percentage of the employee's salary for each additional employee that is suspended. In Denver's case, pro personnel director Tom Heckert is the first offender and player personnel director Matt Russell is the repeat offender. The policy allows the league to fine the Broncos 25% of Russell's salary.