Just two days away from a thrilling moment in Denver Broncos history, when George Paton was hired as the new manger, the team had to deal with a public relations mine involving its most famous player.
9 NEWS“Mike Klis reported on Friday that star defender Von Miller is currently under criminal investigation by the Colorado Parker Police Department. Parker PD confirmed 9 NEWS that a criminal investigation against Miller is ongoing, but would not comment on its nature.
The baffling news comes just over a week away from Miller’s other significant screenshots of his eight-time private conversations with the Pro Bowler, which, let’s just say, cast him in a very unpleasant light. He later responded with a comment on an Instagram story involving the screenshots, and their interpretation was “fake news”.
While some rushed to conclusions immediately after Parker PD’s criminal investigation, Me’Gan Denise – Miller’s pregnant girlfriend – released a statement on Friday via her Instagram account to say emphatically that there is any The rumor of domestic violence against her on her boyfriend’s side is false.
“Given the recent media reports about my relationship with Von, I feel I need to address a few things,” Denise wrote. For anyone to say otherwise or speculate, it is wrong.
“Regarding my (previous) posts on social networks, some were misinterpreted and taken out of context. I regret that I made a private situation public, and in doing so, I paid unwanted attention to both Von and me.
“Von and I are thrilled to receive 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 for the Broncos canon is worrying, but it is important to remember that he was not charged with anything at this time. The best tact for Broncos Country is to allow Parker PD to do its job and let the investigation run before reaching any conclusions.
However, the timing of this criminal investigation in Miller is very inappropriate. Reports emerged as a result of Paton’s hiring as GM that Broncos is likely to approach Miller over a contract restructuring. Paton would have liked Miller to return, but not at the current price of $ 17.5 million.
Miller will turn 32 in March and will come out of a 2020 season completely lost due to an ankle injury that required corrective surgery. Entering the final year of the contract that made him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history in 2016, the Broncos have a team option. That means the Broncos have the prerogative to either exercise or take Miller’s option, or let him go.
If the team hadn’t chosen Miller’s option, he would be an unlimited free agent to sign with any NFL team. Broncos may be inclined to negotiate with the former MVP of Super Bowl 50, hoping that he will either accept a pay cut or resolve some sort of contract extension that would lower his salary cap in 2021 and offer him additional years on term.
Paton is expected to be in Denver on Saturday. Instead of interviewing the main office and researching the staff, GM will for the first time have to deal with a massive drama involving the all-time leader Broncos in bags. Following the news of the Parker PD investigation, the team released a statement on Friday 9 NEWS.
For now, all the team can do is gather as much information about the situation as possible and let things go. The fan base should take its cues from there.
Again, at the time of the press, we do not know why Miller is being investigated and, based on Denisa’s statement on social media, the significant other strongly denied that any physical abuse had taken place. For now, we are in a holding pattern until additional information is disclosed.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.