Broncos suspend executives for drunken driving incidents

(Photo: David Zalubowski, AP)

The Denver Broncos have suspended two executives who were arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in recent weeks, the team announced Monday.

Matt Russell, director of player personnel, was suspended indefinitely for his July 6 arrest, and Tom Heckert, recently hired as the director of pro personnel, was suspended for a month by the club for his arrest on June 11. The penalties for each man take effect immediately.

Broncos president Joe Ellis said in statement Monday: "This morning, we informed both Matt and Tom of the discipline as well as our expectations of them going forward. While they will be punished and held accountable, our first priority is their health and well-being. We must ensure they receive any care they need and support them however possible."

The team, which said treatment and counseling for substance abuse will be provided as needed, added that it has notified the commissioner's office of its discipline, and the NFL "has informed us it has no plans to impose additional discipline for this conduct."

Heckert was arrested in Parker, Colo., and charged with driving under the influence and careless driving, police said. Tests revealed his blood-alcohol content was twice the legal limit.

Russell, arrested in Summit County, was charged with driving under the influence, having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, careless driving resulting in injury and failure to display proof of insurance.

Police said Russell hit two vehicles in separate crashes, and the second one injured a Breckenridge police officer. Russell's blood-alcohol content at the scene was measured at .246 - more than three times the legal limit.

Heckert, who was hired by Broncos executive vice president John Elway on May 7, apologized in a statement released by the team shortly after his arrest.

"I am extremely disappointed that in my short time with the Broncos I have made such a serious mistake. My actions last month have brought embarrassment to the organization, and I fully understand the consequences that are involved. I am truly sorry and take complete responsibility for this situation," Heckert said. "Although I have let many people down, I will learn from this and work toward regaining the trust that I have lost."

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