Just two days from an exciting turning point in the history of the Denver Broncos, when George Paton was hired as the new general manager, the team had to face a public relations mine involving its most famous player.
9NEWS‘Mike Klis reported on Friday that rush linebacker Von Miller is currently subject to a criminal investigation by the Parker Police Department in Colorado. Parker PD confirmed the 9NEWS that a criminal investigation into Miller is underway, but declined to comment on the nature of it.
The disconcerting news comes just over a week after Miller’s other significant sharing screen shots of private conversations with the Pro Bowler eight times that, say, put him in an unflattering light. He later responded with a comment on an Instagram story suggesting that the images, and their interpretation, were “fake news”.
Although some drew hasty conclusions immediately after Parker’s police criminal investigation, Me’Gan Denise – Miller’s pregnant girlfriend – released a statement through his Instagram account on Friday to emphatically say there is any rumor of domestic violence against her the boyfriend’s part is false.
“In the light of recent media reports about my relationship with Von, I feel that I need to address a few things,” wrote Denise. What it will be. Someone saying otherwise or speculating this is wrong.
“With regard to my (previous) social media posts, part of it was misinterpreted and taken out of context. I regret to make a private situation public and, in doing so, to draw unwanted attention to Von and me.
“Von and I are excited 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 the Broncos canon is worrying, but it is important to remember that he has not been charged with anything at this point. The best tactic to be adopted by Broncos Country is to allow Parker PD to do its job and let the investigation proceed before drawing any conclusions.
However, the timing of this criminal investigation in Miller is very inopportune. After Paton was hired as a GM, reports have emerged that the Broncos are likely to approach Miller about a contract restructuring. Paton reportedly would like Miller back, but not at his current price of $ 17.5 million.
Miller will turn 32 in March and is coming out of a 2020 season totally lost due to an ankle injury that required corrective surgery. Entering the final year of the contract that made him the highest-paid defense player in NFL history in 2016, the Broncos have a choice of team. This means that the Broncos have the prerogative to exercise or choose Miller’s option, or to let him go.
If the team did not choose Miller’s option, he would be an unrestricted free agent to sign with any outside NFL team. The Broncos may be inclined to negotiate with the former Super Bowl 50 MVP in the hope that he will accept a cut in pay or work on some kind of contract extension that would reduce his salary cap to 2021 and give him additional years in office.
Paton is due to be in Denver on Saturday. Instead of interviewing the remaining board and reconnaissance personnel, the first GM will face a major drama involving the Broncos’ all-time leader in bags. After news of the Parker PD investigation, the team released a statement on Friday to 9NEWS.
For now, all the team can do is gather as much information about the situation as possible and let things happen. The fan base should follow your suggestions from there.
Again, at the time of publication, we don’t know why Miller is being investigated and based on Denise’s statement on social media, her partner has vehemently denied that any kind of physical abuse has occurred. For now, we are in a pattern of waiting until more information is revealed.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.