Stephen HolderSep 16, 2026, 10:39 AM ETCloseStephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.Multiple AuthorsINDIANAPOLIS — Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was formally charged this week with two misdemeanor offenses stemming from his drunk-driving arrest in downtown Indianapolis last month.Allen, 34, was arrested by Indianapolis police on Aug. 30 and preliminarily charged.
On Tuesday, prosecutors officially filed charges of operating a vehicle with alcohol concentration equivalent to .15 or more and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.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 per Indiana law. Operating while intoxicated is considered a Class C misdemeanor.According to the affidavit, an Indianapolis police sergeant encountered Allen at 1 a.m. after conducting a traffic investigation at the same intersection. Allen, the report states, 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.A lieutenant then retrieved a portable breath test device after Allen agreed to be tested, the report states.
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.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.The next event on the docket in the case, an attorney conference, is scheduled for Oct. 26.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.
Leave a Reply