T.J. Ward suspended one game for violating NFL's personal conduct policy

On the day Tom Brady is freed from NFL's DeflateGate ruling, Roger Goodell strikes again.

The Denver Broncos will be without starting strong safety T.J. Ward in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, as Ward has been suspended one game for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Fox Sports 1 first reported.

Broncos S TJ Ward has been suspended one game for violating the league's personal-conduct policy, sources say.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 3, 2015

The TJ Ward suspension is in regard to an incident at a strip club that occurred shortly after he signed with the Broncos last year.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 3, 2015

The Denver Post has since confirmed the report, noting that Ward's misdemeanor assault charges were ultimately dropped.

The Broncos announced the suspension on social media, noting that Ward can return to the active roster beginning Monday, Sept. 14.

Ward can't appeal - he already did

Ward has already appealed and lost, according to Troy Renck of The Denver Post. Word is just getting out now regarding the suspension, now that Ward has lost his appeal.

Sorry, no #FreeTJ movement for Broncos fans.

Odd timing

It's odd that the NFL would suspend Ward 15 months after the fact, less than two weeks before the season began. It's also odd that the news drops on the same day as the DeflateGate appeal ruling.

Which Broncos play for Ward

Expect David Bruton, Jr. and Omar Bolden to step in alongside starting free safety Darian Stewart in Week 1.