Keenan Allen Faces DUI Charges After August Arrest
Indianapolis — Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen, 34, was formally charged this week with two misdemeanor offenses stemming from his drunk-driving arrest in downtown Indianapolis last month, according to prosecutors.
Allen was arrested by Indianapolis police on August 30 and has now been officially charged with operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or more and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, ESPN reports.
Blood Alcohol Level Exceeds Legal Limit Significantly
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by ESPN, Allen’s blood-alcohol level was tested at .224, triggering a more serious Class A misdemeanor charge under Indiana law. This reading is well above the legal limit of .08 BAC for drivers.
The affidavit details that an Indianapolis police sergeant encountered Allen at 1 a.m. after conducting a traffic investigation at the same intersection. Allen, according to the report, parked in a no-parking zone, prompting the officer to address the matter. The officer stated he went to speak with Allen and, after Allen exited the vehicle, smelled a strong odor of alcohol.
Field Sobriety Tests and Blood Draw Conducted
A lieutenant then retrieved a portable breath test device after Allen agreed to be tested, according to the report. Officers said Allen was initially short-winded and they were unable to get a reading. At 1:22 a.m., officers said they received the .224 reading from Allen.
He was then taken into custody and transported to the Indianapolis Criminal Justice Center where further investigation was done. A field-sobriety test was conducted, according to officers, and Allen displayed multiple indications of intoxication, they said. Allen, according to officers, missed multiple steps when asked to walk heel-to-toe.
A blood draw was conducted at 2:08 a.m. The affidavit did not reveal the results of the blood test, which is done at a lab.
NFL Discipline Likely, But Playing Time Not Expected to Be Affected
Allen is not expected to miss playing time while the case proceeds through the courts. Coach Shane Steichen on Wednesday reiterated that the Colts are allowing the legal process to play out, with the NFL expected to handle any potential discipline in accordance with its policy overseeing substance abuse and alcohol.
NFL rules allow for a three-game suspension for violations of the substance-abuse policy. It also provides for stiffer penalties in the event a player is intoxicated at higher levels, as Allen was. The league has typically taken action in drunk-driving scenarios after the adjudication of a case.
Legal Proceedings Set for October 26
The next event on the docket in the case, an attorney conference, is scheduled for October 26.
Background on Keenan Allen’s Colts Tenure
Allen, 34, joined the Colts in August on a one-year deal. He had six catches for 32 yards in the Colts’ Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
He has been selected to six Pro Bowls in his career, which includes 12 seasons with the Chargers.
While the upcoming legal proceedings will continue to unfold, Allen’s status with the Colts remains unchanged for now, as the organization and league continue to navigate the situation in accordance with established policies.
Current Status of DUI Legalities in Indiana
Indiana’s driving while intoxicated laws categorically define different levels of impairment with corresponding penalties:
- Class C Misdemeanor: Operating while intoxicated (OWI) with BAC between .08-.149
- Class A Misdemeanor: OWI with BAC of .15 or higher, or refusal to submit to chemical testing
- Initial violations: $10,000 fine and mandatory evaluation
- Subsequent violations: Progressive discipline including potential suspension
- High BAC incidents (.20+): Immediate minimum three-game suspension
At .224 BAC, Allen faces enhanced penalties including potential license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and possible jail time up to 180 days under Indiana law.
“The key factor here is that Allen’s BAC exceeded .15, which automatically elevates this from a standard OWI to a Class A misdemeanor,” explained Indiana criminal defense attorney Mark Thompson to local media. “This significantly increases both the criminal penalties and administrative consequences for the driver.”
NFL Substance Abuse Policy Impact
The NFL’s substance abuse policy places particular emphasis on player conduct off the field. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, players found responsible for DUI offenses typically face:
Historical precedent shows players like Antonio Brown (2019) and LeGarrette Blount (2017) faced varying lengths of suspension based on their BAC levels and prior records. Allen’s clean NFL history previous to this incident could result in a more lenient initial ruling.
“What the league typically does after a first offense DUI with high BAC is a three-game suspension minimum,” noted NFL analyst Sarah Johnson. “The key will be whether the Colts and league consider this his first substance abuse violation, or if they classify this differently based on the circumstances.”
Player union representatives have indicated that cases like Allen’s often result in negotiations between the NFL and the player’s representatives, with treatment programs being a common component of resolved cases.
The October 26 attorney conference represents the first formal court appearance in Allen’s case, where potential plea negotiations or trial preparations may begin to take shape.
Both the legal process and potential NFL discipline remain in development as of this writing.
Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen has been charged with two misdemeanor OWI offenses in connection with his August 30 arrest in Indianapolis, according to prosecutors.
The 34-year-old receiver’s blood-alcohol concentration was measured at .224 during the late-night traffic stop, significantly exceeding Indiana’s legal limit.
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