An arrest warrant for third degree assault was issued for Denver Broncos safety TJ Ward on Thursday by the Denver Police Department. The warrant was issued in regards to a May 9 incident at a Denver strip club.
"We have been aware of this issue and will continue to review all of the facts." the Broncos said in a statement.
A statement released by Denver Police Department spokesman Sonny Jackson stated that Ward was at PT's All Nude in Denver when a confrontation began between Ward and the strip club staff.
"The incident involving T.J. Ward occurred on the evening of May 9 at a nightclub in southeast Denver called Centerfold," Jackson said. "We determined that there was a dispute, and he was involved in a minor altercation."
"He was issued a summons for simple assault and disturbing the peace, both misdemeanors. The arrest warrant was issued Thursday because he hasn't turned himself in yet."
PT's All Nude, TJ Ward, and Ward's agent, Josh Arnold have all declined comments regarding the incident at this time. A source told the Denver Post that the incident was sparked when Ward brought alcohol into the club. Ward believed that the alcohol had been pre-approved by management to be on the premises. Wait staff confronted Ward about the alcohol and a confrontation ensued.
Ward was signed from Cleveland as a costless agent to a four-year, $225 million contract by the Broncos in March and was one of three high profile signings made on the defensive side of the ball. The other two defensive additions were defensive end DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Aqib Talib. Ward is considered one of the premier safeties in the league and brings an aggressive and physical style of play that the Broncos have desired this offseason. He will earn $7 million for this coming season.
"He's going to bring energy and toughness to our secondary." general manager John Elway said during the announcement of the Ward signing.
Ward could possibly be the hardest hitting Broncos safety since Steve Atwater. He is best known for a hit at the knees of New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski that ended the tight end's season. The Broncos have planned to start him at strong safety in tandem with costless safety Rahim Moore this season as well as a weak side linebacker in some passing situations. He was recently named by the NFL Network as the 82nd best player in their annual "Top 100" players of the NFL list.
The Broncos were hoping to have a quieter offseason then last year when linebacker Von Miller was suspended six games for violation of the NFL's drug policy and also arrested for traffic warrants along with the arrests of two front office officials for DUI's.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will review the incident but it is highly unlikely that the NFL will hand down any suspension over a third degree misdemeanor.