It was punishment that we were all suspecting, but now it is confirmed. The Denver Broncos have suspended the two executives that were recently arrested for driving under the influence. Broncos player personnel director Matt Russell received an indefinite suspension, while pro personnel director Tom Heckert got off a little lighter. Heckert was suspended one month without pay.
It is convenient for the Broncos that one of the executives will be back for the end of the preseason.
At a time when team executives are busier than ever with analyzing and attempting to finalize their 53-man roster, the Broncos will be without two of their brightest minds. However, Heckert will return just in time for the final roster cuts.
There is no word why the executives were given different suspensions, but the team had their reasons.
It could be that Russell was crashing in to multiple cars, including a cop car, while Heckert created much less of a scene. Regardless, both incidents were inexcusable.
“When I was named to this position two years ago, I spoke of the role this organization has in the community,” executive vice president of football operations John Elway said in a release. “We all have an individual responsibility to represent this team in the appropriate manner at all times. It’s particularly disappointing that two members of my staff acted so irresponsibly. Simply put, it’s unacceptable and inexcusable.”