Good news for Broncos running back Melvin Gordon who was in court on Wednesday facing D.U.I. charges stemming from a traffic stop October 13th in Denver.
The D.U.I. charges as well as the speeding charges have been dropped, but Gordon's Driver's License has been suspended as he has plead to reckless driving and received an 8-point violation. Gordon must pay a $250 fine and $229 in court costs.
Below is a copy of the summary of the charges from the Denver court.
Gordon still faces potential punishment from the NFL if they deem that reckless driving merits any penalty or potential suspension. Originally, it was expected he would face a 3 game suspension for violating the leagues personal conduct policy. There was a possibility that his guaranteed money could've been voided by the team, had he been found guilty, and that would've been upwards of $4.5 Million and the 7th year running back would've had to play on his base salary of $4 Million.
With the decision today, he should make all of the $7 Million due to him in 2021m including a $2 Million roster bonus on the first day of Training Camp.
In his first year in Denver, Gordon played in 15 games, ran for 986 yards on 215 carries, and scored 9 Touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 32 passes for 158 yards and a score.
The looming running back decision the team faces now is how they handle the restricted free agent contract they tender Phillip Lindsay. Last week General Manager George Paton said this regarding the Denver native and former CU star. "We’re still working through Phillip," Paton said. Phillip is a good player and very passionate. He had some injuries last year and he brings energy and juice. He’s a restricted free agent and we do plan on tendering him. I’m not sure at what level but we want Phillip here."
If the Broncos place a 2nd round tender on Lindsay, his salary will be about $3 Million. If they place and original round tender that pays $2 Million, but because he was undrafted, any team that wanted to sign Lindsay, wouldn't owe Denver a draft pick that would accompany the 2nd round tender. As a restricted free agent, the Broncos can match any offer Lindsay receives if they choose.
The team has to make a determination on Lindsay, as well as linebacker Alexander Johnson and wide receiver Tim Patrick, both of whom are expected to receive 2nd round tenders. All of this must be decided 2 days before the start of the new league year next Wednesday at 2PM Mountain Time.