Subscribe
Follow Us
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon got his DUI charges dismissed, per Mike Klis of 9News. Gordon was caught for suspicion of driving under the influence by the Denver Police Department on Oct. 13, when he was clocked going 71 miles per hour in a 35 zone.
Instead, Gordon put in a guilty plea for reckless driving for excessive speeding. Klis has more details:
Dismissed because issues with police stop. NFL security Michael Rankin observed in virtual disposition case. Blood tests results suppressed because of what prosecutors found was how Gordon was stopped by police. #9sports https://t.co/3j1RBIUTJK
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) March 10, 2021
District attorney and Gordon attorneys emphasized this not a plea to DUI. Reckless driving charge was related to speeding. Gordon has already served 12 hours community service order thru Broncos. He pays $479 in fine ($250) and court fees ($229). #9sports https://t.co/3j1RBIUTJK
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) March 10, 2021
This means Melvin Gordon returns to Broncos in 2021. He has $4.5 million guarantee salary that should NOT be voided. Also has $2M camp reporting bonus. Then per game roster bonus that brings his total payout to nearly $7M. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) March 10, 2021
Judge Olympia Fay pointed out Gordon was "habitual" speed offender, which is why he got 8-pt penalty. He was clocked going 71 in 35 on Oct. 13. But now that Gordon gets to keep his $7 million for 2021, guessing he didn't mind paying $429 fine and court costs. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) March 10, 2021
Although Melvin Gordon reportedly had an alcohol intake at the time due to the results of a field sobriety test, his involvement in the speeding incident didn't result in any further accidents. The Broncos running back previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, but there will still be a pre-trial hearing scheduled on April 2 and a jury trial hearing set on April 8. Despite the result of his case, it remains to be seen whether or not the league will hand down a disciplinary action for Gordon regarding its substance abuse policy.
The former Wisconsin standout finished the 2020 season with 986 rushing yards on nine touchdowns through 15 games played. Despite his respectable contributions on the field, the Broncos still struggled as a unit as they concluded with a 5-11 record for the fourth spot in the AFC West.
A big campaign is expected from the two-time Pro Bowler heading to the final season of his two-year, $11 million contract with the Broncos in 2021. He will definitely have to perform even better next season if he wants to make a splash in free agency come 2022.
With the case heading in the right direction, many are hoping that Melvin Gordon won't be involved in any more off-field issues and will be able to stay on the right track moving forward.
