Just two days away from an exciting turning point in Denver Broncos history, when George Paton was hired as the new general manger, the team faced a PR landmine involving the most famous player.
9 NEWSMike Klis reported Friday that star rush linebacker Von Miller is currently the subject of a criminal investigation by the Parker Police Department in Colorado. The Parker PD confirmed that 9 NEWS that a criminal investigation into Miller is underway, but I don’t want to comment on its nature.
The disturbing news comes just over a week away from Miller’s significant other shared screenshots of private conversations with the eight-time Pro Bowler that throw him, shall we say, in a very unflattering light. He later responded with a comment on an Instagram story, suggesting the screenshots and their interpretation were “ fake news. ”
While some are quick to draw conclusions in the immediate aftermath of the Parker PD’s criminal investigation, Me’Gan Denise – Miller’s pregnant girlfriend – released a statement via her Instagram account on Friday, emphatically saying there were rumors of domestic violence. be her. boyfriend is fake.
“In light of recent media reports about my relationship with Von, I feel I need to address a few things,” wrote Denise. “First and foremost, in our relationship, there was no physical abuse or violence of any kind by Von whatsoever. It is wrong for anyone to say or speculate otherwise.
“As for my (previous) social media posts, some have been misinterpreted and taken out of context. I regret making a private situation public, and with it unwanted attention to both Von and myself.
“Von and I are delighted to welcome our baby into the world, and are committed to raising our child with love and compassion, together as a family.
Sincerely, Megan Denise. “
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Obviously, any criminal investigation into a player of Miller’s caliber and importance to Broncos canon is worrisome, but it’s important to remember that he hasn’t been charged for anything at this point. The best tactic for Broncos Country is to let the Parker PD do its job and play the investigation before any hasty conclusions are drawn.
However, the timing of this criminal investigation into Miller is very inconvenient. After Paton’s hiring as GM, reports have surfaced that the Broncos will likely approach Miller about a contract restructuring. Paton reportedly wants Miller back, but not at his current $ 17.5 million price tag.
Miller will turn 32 in March, coming off a 2020 season completely lost to an ankle injury that required corrective surgery. Entering the final year of the contract that made him the highest paid defender in NFL history in 2016, the Broncos have a team option. That means the Broncos have the privilege of exercising or picking up Miller’s option, or letting him go.
Had the team not taken up Miller’s option, he would be a free agent who can sign indefinitely with an outside NFL team. The Broncos may be inclined to negotiate with the former Super Bowl 50 MVP in the hope that he will either accept a pay cut or work out some sort of contract extension that would lower his 2021 salary cap and give him extra years down the line.
Paton is expected to be in Denver on Saturday. Rather than interviewing the holdover front office and scouting staff, the first GM will face a massive drama with the bronco’s all-time leader in pockets. After the news of the Parker PD’s investigation, the team issued a statement to Friday 9 NEWS.
For now, the team can only gather as much information about the situation as possible and let things play out. The fan base should follow its signals from there.
Again, at the time of the press, we don’t know why Miller is being investigated and, based on Denise’s statement on social media, his significant other has adamantly denied that any kind of physical abuse took place. For now we are in a holding pattern until more information is revealed.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @BuienRadarNL.