The NFL announced that safety T.J. Ward has been suspended for the first game of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
Ward's suspension is the result of misdemeanor charges from May of 2014 that were later dropped. He will be eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, Sept. 14 after the Broncos' season opener against the Ravens on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Ward had a productive first year with the Broncos, ranking second on the club with 74 tackles (60 solo) and earning his second Pro Bowl selection. He became heavily inolved in community since arriving in Denver, supporting multiple youth initiatives with his T.J. Ward Foundation that focuses on giving back to underprivileged communities in the areas where he's lived.
"I take full responsibility for the incident that occurred in May 2014 and am willing to accept the consequences of my actions by serving my one-game suspension," Ward said in a statement. "Although I was never arrested and all charges against me were ultimately dismissed, I have no one to blame but myself for being in the predicament that evening. To the Denver Broncos organization, the Bowlen family and to the Denver Bronco fans, I want to apologize for my conduct. I have learned from my mistakes and will continue to be a pillar in the community to make myself a stronger person and player for the Denver Broncos."
