Colts WR Keenan Allen was arrested overnight for DUI. Here’s what we know
from Nathan Brown and Joel A. Erickson, with the Indianapolis Star newspaper and at IndyStar.com/CLICK HERE
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was arrested for DUI early Sunday morning. The arrest occurred just hours after Allen played in the team’s preseason finale.
Allen faces two preliminary misdemeanor charges related to driving under the influence.Indianapolis Colts veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen was arrested overnight for suspected DUI, just hours after he made his on-field debut with the Colts and less than two weeks after he was signed in free agency.
According to a public police report viewed by IndyStar, Allen was arrested Sunday morning at approximately 1 a.m. while IMPD officers conducted a traffic investigation in the 100 block of S. Meridian Street, just south of Monument Circle. According to a statement from IMPD, officers observed a vehicle sitting in a no-parking zone at 110 S. Meridian St. and proceeded to speak with the driver, who officers later identified as Allen, “and noticed signs of intoxication,” according to the statement.
Following a further investigation, Allen was arrested on a pair of preliminary misdemeanor charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI) — 0.08 or higher — and OVMI endangering a person.
Allen was released from the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center at 3:49 p.m. Sunday afternoon, according to inmate records. The Colts receiver now has an upcoming court date Sept. 16, three days after the Colts’ season-opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Ravens.
“We are aware of the incident involving Keenan Allen last night,” the Colts said in a statement provided to IndyStar. “We are in the process of gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”
Allen took the field for the first time for the Colts on Saturday afternoon in the team’s preseason finale, where he played the first drive with the offense and caught a 24-yard pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson — one of the team’s longest plays of the day.
Sunday evening at 6 p.m. marked the NFL-wide deadline for the Colts to trim their roster from 90 players down to 53 ahead of preparation for the team’s Week 1 contest against the Ravens. Two weeks ago, Allen signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal with the Colts worth as much as $8.32 million to join Indianapolis for the 2026 season.
Could Keenan Allen be suspended by the NFL?
According to the NFL’s Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse, commissioner Roger Goodell “may impose a fine, suspension, or other appropriate discipline if a Player is convicted of or admits to a violation of law…relating to the use of alcohol.” The policy goes on to state that “absent aggravating circumstances,” punishment for a first offense will be a three-game suspension without pay.
It also says that increased discipline can be levied if the player has been charged with a felony (which Allen, so far, has not), if the charges involve extreme intoxication with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or more (Allen’s was only said to be above 0.08%), if the incident involves property damage or serious injury or death (which initial reports don’t indicate took place) or if the player has had prior drug or alcohol-related misconduct.
Recent history suggests that the NFL typically will allow the entire legal process to play out and be finalized before imposing a suspension, and that process can take some time. All three of the league’s three-game suspensions for alcohol-related offenses doled out last season to Vikings receiver Jordan Addison, 49ers receiver Demarcus Robinson and former Chargers offensive lineman Ben Cleveland came at least nine months — if not more — after the player’s initial arrest. All three eventually either pleaded no contest or guilty, and the NFL handed out the player’s suspension within a matter of weeks.