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Broncos place Bowlen son on indefinite leave after arrest

AP

The Broncos have placed owner Pat Bowlen’s son on leave after his domestic violence arrest last night.

In a statement, the team acknowledged that John Bowlen had been arrested and that the team has taken action as a result of the arrest.

“We are disappointed to learn of the matter involving John Bowlen, who is a son of Owner Pat Bowlen and an administrative employee with the organization. While this is a personal issue, he is accountable to all club and league conduct policies. As such, John will be placed on an indefinite leave of absence from the organization,” the statement said.

John Bowlen has been active behind the scenes within the Broncos organization and has been viewed as a potential successor to his father. The arrest is the latest in a long line of ugly incidents involving the NFL and domestic violence. Placing employees on leave has become the normal course of action following domestic violence arrests.

Eventually, it would be nice if domestic violence arrests in the NFL became rare enough that there was no “normal course of action” for teams to follow.

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92 Responses to “Broncos place Bowlen son on indefinite leave after arrest”
  1. seanpbeck says: Jun 4, 2015 5:03 PM

    So what’s the protocol again? 2 games upped to 4 games following complaints upped to open-ended ban if there’s embarrassing video that the league office isn’t able to suppress?

  2. x1xbbx7x says: Jun 4, 2015 5:06 PM

    This is an epidemic. Not just among players, but among the general population. We must teach individuals, starting as young children, that it is never okay to hit anyone – no matter what gender – unless they are a threat to you or you are defending yourself.

    I just wish that the NFL actually cared when it did come to their employees, instead of them enacting an empty punishment to save face.

  3. gabrosin says: Jun 4, 2015 5:07 PM

    The league’s gonna love having this guy as an owner.

  4. cmsfl says: Jun 4, 2015 5:08 PM

    A complete PR move. They place him on leave now but when the news dies down he’ll walk in the back door. If his father(who owns the team) wants him at the Broncos he will be at the Broncos.

  5. robf2010 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:09 PM

    How many cases have there been? Right now, there are about 90 players on each team and at least another 50-75 employees per team in administration, coaching, marketing, etc …

    We’re talking maybe 5 cases out of about 5000 or so. How does that compare to the general population and just how much more rare can it be?

  6. justintuckrule says: Jun 4, 2015 5:09 PM

    No big deal. He’s safe. While other players get their heads chopped off, the NFL will send him to a cush job up at the Night’s Watch.

  7. badmoonrison says: Jun 4, 2015 5:13 PM

    The donkeys are the new 40 whiners which used to be the new bengals. What’s with these franchises?

  8. joetoronto says: Jun 4, 2015 5:17 PM

    They’re all a bunch of drunks in that organization and it’s all because of Mr Ed.

  9. ariani1985 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:24 PM

    Big time packer stock holder chiming in! Still mad at the broncos for destroying my hapless packers!

  10. nycdf says: Jun 4, 2015 5:24 PM

    Ray Rice is gonna straighten this out.

  11. milehighmike7 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:24 PM

    Broncos fans do not condone this behavior. We are fine if he has no involvement with the team ever again. You don’t put your hands on a woman ever.

  12. daytontriangles says: Jun 4, 2015 5:27 PM

    Suspend him indefinitely, fine the team, take their draft picks and place an “*” next to each of their Superbowl victories.

    Oh, wait, it’s not New England? What’s all the fuss about then?

  13. realfootballfan says: Jun 4, 2015 5:28 PM

    So in other words, when you’re wired like this to hit women, it really doesn’t matter where you come from, whether you’re a privileged kid of a CEO or a kid out of the ghetto. It’s just like people who cheat or lie. Either you’re wired that way or you aren’t.

  14. cross300 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:29 PM

    Another kid of a wealthy parent up to no good. What a cliche’

    I’m sure he will be fine though. Since daddy is his boss.

  15. mikealstott says: Jun 4, 2015 5:35 PM

    Come on man!!! Just behave yourself little boy and your daddy’s money will make it all better…

  16. dave399 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:35 PM

    Letting air out of football. WORSE >>> Beating your wife.

    Where’s the uproar America? Why isn’t this the leading story on the nightly news of all 3 major networks?

    Cause it ain’t the Patriots.

  17. xsorethumbx says: Jun 4, 2015 5:37 PM

    Bowlen Jr and Elway Jr are undefeated in beating up women this year. The organization must be proud

  18. dave399 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:38 PM

    Why are players punished for things like domestic violence and DUI’s? Shouldn’t the focus be on therapy and rehabilitation?

    Oh yeah, the NFL is all about the PR image and not doing what’s truly right.

  19. weepingjebus says: Jun 4, 2015 5:38 PM

    The underlying report is epic. Allegedly he was on whippets (apparently still a thing) and told the 911 dispatcher to leave him alone because he’s the Broncos owner. Goodell must be so excited.

  20. BroncosCheatedTheSalaryCap says: Jun 4, 2015 5:38 PM

    Scum organization. Cheated for their two SBs, history of PED use, domestic violence, etc. Disgusting.

  21. patsfan1960 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:39 PM

    He,ll be fine he is not from the Patriots. Let’s see for beating a woman 2 games for doing nothing games seems fair

  22. hrmlss says: Jun 4, 2015 5:42 PM

    He’s a lawn gnome.

  23. conormacleod says: Jun 4, 2015 5:42 PM

    Either you’re wired that way or you aren’t.
    —-
    Ridiculous.

  24. exoneratedbyscience says: Jun 4, 2015 5:43 PM

    It’s not fair! This is so much worse, why are the honorable Patriots being punished??

  25. catquick says: Jun 4, 2015 5:54 PM

    One HUGE problem with domestic abuse and the NFL is it’s considered the same if you grab your cellphone out of her hand or slap her 20 times. Is it really abuse if it’s just what used to be a normal argument?

  26. themikegun says: Jun 4, 2015 5:54 PM

    “….it would be nice if domestic violence arrests in the NFL became rare enough that there was no “normal course of action” for teams to follow.”

    This.

  27. professorpigskin46 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:56 PM

    Seriously, what’s with that greasy-looking chinstrap/goatee? That’s the real crime here.

  28. schmitty2 says: Jun 4, 2015 5:56 PM

    He looks like one of those frat boys who drive around in a convertible that mommy and daddy bought him and think he’s the coolest dude and all women want him when truth be told he wears plaid shorts and has a beer gut.

  29. freebledsoe says: Jun 4, 2015 5:57 PM

    That pic though…

  30. loubearkane says: Jun 4, 2015 5:57 PM

    Goodell will have to strike down hard and swift, I’ll assume a hefty organizational fine along with the loss of draft pick(s).

    It’s the only way to punish an employee of an organization.

  31. exoneratedbyscience says: Jun 4, 2015 5:59 PM

    Roger Goodell should stop EVERYTHING he’s doing and address this massive problem! How can you worry about psi when the Broncos are on a woman-beating rampage?…..

  32. chuckshontaspads says: Jun 4, 2015 5:59 PM

    The patriots get slammed because of maybes and “generally aware of”, . there is a pattern of serious alcoholism and PED use with the Broncos. Now violence against woman..From an owner. Let’s hear your phoney integrity bull now Czar Goodell..!

  33. mudd3006 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:00 PM

    Great photo. Makes him look like a whacked out druggie. Who knows maybe he is.

  34. bobnelsonjr says: Jun 4, 2015 6:05 PM

    Let’s wait until all the facts are in. We do not know what she did to spark this.

    She might just be angry she will never get half the Broncos in return for the rare personal service and hiring a cook and maid.

  35. gobolts says: Jun 4, 2015 6:06 PM

    Why are players punished for things like domestic violence and DUI’s? Shouldn’t the focus be on therapy and rehabilitation?
    =============================
    Beating the crap out of people for hitting a woman IS therapy and rehab for the rest of us.

  36. flaccosmoustache says: Jun 4, 2015 6:11 PM

    Will daddy take away his allowance? What a loser.

  37. mistrezzrachael says: Jun 4, 2015 6:13 PM

    If this was Jonathon Kraft…it’d be a lifetime suspension, and removal of all 1st round draft choices for the next 5 years.

    So…where are this evening national headlines…Roger???

    Maybe, when they send in Wells to investigate, they will find Bowlen jr was…deflating…so his lady went elsewhere.

    Goodell will spend ALOT less time on this, than he did deflategate and bullygate…2 of the most over blown issues in NFL history.

    Roger???? Roger????

  38. 12coltsfan12 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:14 PM

    Irsay is going to get along great with this kid…

  39. annes22 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:21 PM

    Now its starting with a family member of a rich owner. Whatever is next?

  40. classicfinder says: Jun 4, 2015 6:22 PM

    “I am the owner of the Denver Broncos” No, you are the evil spawn of the owner of the Denver Broncos.

  41. classicfinder says: Jun 4, 2015 6:23 PM

    Jerry Jones is looking into this. He may be a fit for the Cowboys.

  42. pkrlvr says: Jun 4, 2015 6:28 PM

    Never trust a dude with a beard like that….

  43. dave399 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:30 PM

    “Will daddy take away his allowance? What a loser.”

    —————–

    Someone sounds jealous.

  44. The Lonely Number says: Jun 4, 2015 6:35 PM

    Prince Shembo: Drafted after donestic abuse. Fired after kicking dog.

    This jerk suspended, not fired.

    Jamie’s Winston drafted after rape.

    The NFL is clearly taking donestic violence SUPER seriously

  45. dave399 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:41 PM

    “Prince Shembo: Drafted after donestic abuse. Fired after kicking dog.”

    ——————-

    He brutally beat the dog to death. After the autopsy, the findings to the extent of the beating were astonishing. Not just broken bones but mutilated organs.

    Prince Shembo needs some serious help followed by some serious jail time.

  46. dave399 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:51 PM

    I am contractually prohibited from naming the company I work for, but they are a wildly successful phone and tablet producer and is the biggest company in the United States. You should be able to figure that one out.

    If one of us has a substance abuse problem or domestic violence issues, they do not penalize us or fire us (in most general cases).

    They have company funded programs to help and rehabilitate for both types of circumstances. Why do sports teams feel the need to punish rather than fix the underlying problems?

    Because they’re public relations reactions that show nothing but a phony display of caring to make the idiotic public feel warm and fuzzy.

    It sounds so fake after a while it’s sickening. Listen to how heavily coached on public speaking the players are. How many times do they mention the word “family” in interviews? “I did it for my family” or “I had to think of the best interest of my family” and so on. While at the same time, half of them are beating up and even killing their wives, girlfriends and kids, or getting busted with hookers.

  47. realfootballfan says: Jun 4, 2015 6:53 PM

    conormacleod,

    What is your grand explnation of it then, genius. I’m sure Pat Bowlen and Ray Rice’s parents weren’t teaching them to box with women. Some people are just fed in the head.

  48. clintonite44 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:53 PM

    Did you see Jameis Winston rape anyone? The guy was cleared 6 times. Should’ve added “accused”….stop with the character assassination.

  49. audio2sell says: Jun 4, 2015 6:54 PM

    Breaking…
    NFL to release more deflate gate information to make sure all these domestic violence stories a off the front page.

    NFL motto – protect the shield

  50. craigkintexas says: Jun 4, 2015 6:55 PM

    Jerry will hire him as personnel director.

  51. johny248 says: Jun 4, 2015 6:56 PM

    How in the heck is “John Bowlen Jr.” The son of “Patrick Dennis -Pat- Bowlen”??? Wouldn’t he have to either be Pat Bowlen Jr, or the son of John Bowlen??

  52. abninf says: Jun 4, 2015 7:00 PM

    I wonder where he learned it.

  53. torka1 says: Jun 4, 2015 7:05 PM

    Ok fans of football…4 games for the slightest air pressure drop which has a natural explanation vs domestic violence…now known as Violencegate given how widespread it is within the NFL. What should the punishment be for the Denver “organization”? Rodger has created a remarkable mess with his over the top “take down” of the Pats (and apparently recieving high fives for it across America) but guess what…your turn is coming. Rodger aka the Judge and Jury will be after you too in due time. And if he brings in Wells…Lord help us all. If air coming out of a football either manually or naturally is worth 4 games and the loss of a 1st round and 4th round pick…slapping the little lady has got to be a tad higher on the meter…what say you Bob Kravitz? You too “Mad Dog”. I want to read and hear talk radio in full lather on this.

  54. richheddleson says: Jun 4, 2015 7:10 PM

    He will own the team very soon….I wouldn’t want to be the guy who suspended him from his own team……

  55. colv says: Jun 4, 2015 7:14 PM

    Wow. I just can’t understand this. So much punishment without much teeth at times but widely published in the media and organizations. From the guy who killed a dog taking his frustration out on the dog instead of his girlfriend to Dallas golden boy Hardy to Rice. On and on. An owners son really?…I guess its a human trait that is instilled in some males to lash out when mad.

  56. revren10 says: Jun 4, 2015 7:16 PM

    A bronco in trouble. I’m shocked

  57. ayyyjayyy says: Jun 4, 2015 7:31 PM

    In other news…
    GO WARRIORS!!!!!!!!

  58. thebirdofprey2 says: Jun 4, 2015 7:50 PM

    Is it just me but how to the Bronco’s continue to get away with running such a loose ship?

    PEDs, drunken front office, substance abuse suspensions and now throw in domestic violence charges. Yet media never calls them out.

  59. officialgame says: Jun 4, 2015 7:53 PM

    Àbusers need a job just dial 1-800-JerryWorld.

  60. remyje says: Jun 4, 2015 7:58 PM

    “While this is a personal issue…”

    it’s never a “personal issue” when it’s a player

  61. catquick says: Jun 4, 2015 8:08 PM

    Whining Pats “fans” just don’t get it. It was the SECOND time you got caught cheating, and Brady did everything in his power to derail it, including still to this day not following league protocol. If it were Joe Blow, he’d be suspended indefinitely, or in a second offense, perhaps banned permanently. Pats are lucky Roger is Kraft’s friend, or he might have gotten the NFL death penalty. Put down the whiskey bottle and dry out, Pats fans.

  62. forenglishpress1 says: Jun 4, 2015 8:17 PM

    After stating “I own the Denver Broncos- nothing is wrong” to 911, then telling arriving Popo he was going to call his lawyer, He demanded to see his MOMMY…

    -Broncos’ fan

  63. adamthescumbag says: Jun 4, 2015 8:17 PM

    At least PFT used the best pic of the guy they could find.

  64. jaxbeachjagfan says: Jun 4, 2015 8:26 PM

    Sometimes the book is exactly what the cover looked like. Hopefully the douche will learn his lesson.

  65. fearthehoody says: Jun 4, 2015 8:39 PM

    What a disgusting franchise! First they cheated the salary cap a few years ago, then two high up execs drinking and driving last season, and now the golden boy beats a woman! Class it up Denver or disban this joke of a franchise

  66. fearthehoody says: Jun 4, 2015 8:46 PM

    Denver Broncos*
    (Multiple DUI/PED/Domestic Violence scandals)

  67. fanofpft says: Jun 4, 2015 9:12 PM

    A real life roc um soc um robot.

  68. thundersnacker says: Jun 4, 2015 9:34 PM

    After looking at that pic, it occurred to me. Doesn’t that Denver Bronco orange resemble what prisons dress their inmates in?

  69. mikelitoris1 says: Jun 4, 2015 9:43 PM

    As a close friend of the organization, I can say that this man is a menace to society.

  70. realfootballfan says: Jun 4, 2015 10:36 PM

    dave399,

    I point this out every time this happens. People who abuse women aren’t going to stop because they got suspended or even go to jail for 90 days with the light DV laws in this country. they’re obviously wired differently to even think that’s okay. I also have pointed out that in white collar America this happens quite often with no consequences (I know 2 executive types with recent DV arrests on their record in the hierarchy of where I work) and have also pointed out one of the media’s brothers, Jim Lampley, who has had a domestic violence incident in the recent past, and I don’t remember him being suspended nor his friends in the media calling for him to be. If you’re really interested in helping these people, help them and these women with some psychological help so that it stops happening. Do you think Ray McDonald is going to quit. He just lost a job that he knew he was on his last strike in the league with because he couldn’t care less about what Goodell was going to do to him, but I guess the public feels all better now that he’s not on TV anymore yet has the same underlying problems. However, he can continue beating her out of the limelight due to said problems that suspension and being unemployed are not going to fix. Gotta love the hypocrisy.

  71. babygaga19 says: Jun 4, 2015 10:45 PM

    The only person on the planet that thought he could be the future owner of the Broncos was John Boy. Not even his Dad, a vegged out Pat Bowlen, would have dreamed to giving ownership to his son, John Bowlen, who was merely an administrative errand boy within the organization.

    Sorry for the harm to the female but this was never much of a story.

  72. lanman11 says: Jun 4, 2015 11:09 PM

    Domestic violence? What?…wait….

    Hey! Look over here!! Low PSI!! Maybe….probably…we’re not entirely sure….but if we use this defective air guage to measure…..and did we mention it’s The Patriots?

  73. brucetrimble says: Jun 4, 2015 11:16 PM

    As a fan of the Broncos, I suspect there is a problem with the culture that is the organization. Last year, there were two administrative employees arrested for alcohol/ vehicle incidents and now this. And this is what we’re aware of. This must stop.

  74. gooboy6 says: Jun 5, 2015 12:01 AM

    Can’t decide if he looks more like Michael Myers or the Joker

  75. vikinganswer says: Jun 5, 2015 12:23 AM

    Another example of being born on 3rd base and thinking you hit a triple.

  76. kelsey59 says: Jun 5, 2015 12:43 AM

    The NFL is the most miserable organizations on the planet. These incidents will be its downfall. I can’t wait until it happens.

  77. stewart09 says: Jun 5, 2015 3:05 AM

    he has a creepy smile in the photo almost like the joker lol

  78. azjohnny says: Jun 5, 2015 4:21 AM

    I wonder if Bowlen will be on the commissioners exempt list

  79. ctchiefsfan25 says: Jun 5, 2015 5:55 AM

    Stay CLASSY Donkeys!!!

  80. colv says: Jun 5, 2015 5:58 AM

    With full pay?

  81. truecowboyfan says: Jun 5, 2015 6:29 AM

    I love how everybody commenting on here is saying he is guilty. None of us know the story yet… Go ahead and thumbs down me but it’s the truth.

  82. bpurd says: Jun 5, 2015 6:43 AM

    Sorry Patriots fans but cheating is a bigger problem for the NFL than domestic violence. It’s not the NFL job to be the moral police. Every business employ criminals. No one cares that the handing your food at a drive thru has been convicted of DV. People are really just jealous of the amount of money these guys make. Also everytime a report comes out people assume an individual is guilty. It’s not like police don’t make mistake. Not saying if he is guilty or not but we should wait for the facts.

  83. nolasoxfan2012 says: Jun 5, 2015 8:53 AM

    I feel like the normal response has actually been to release the player, not put them on indefinite leave. Is he paid while “on leave,” as opposed to being “suspended”? He should get the exact same as what players get.

  84. rcosborne59 says: Jun 5, 2015 9:35 AM

    Good thing he didn’t MESS with the psi of a football or he’d be in real trouble with the league.

  85. jordiway73 says: Jun 5, 2015 9:36 AM

    I think these women need to stop calling the police over small argument’s.

  86. Spazz says: Jun 5, 2015 9:45 AM

    Patriot fans making something all about them?? NO WAY!!
    Nobody is suggesting that deflating a football .2 PSI is anywhere near as despicable as domestic violence. Get over yourselves.

  87. angelwilder666 says: Jun 5, 2015 9:46 AM

    Cat quick, just what the heck are you talking about? Why don’t you actually do some research on “deflategate” before you continue to make a fool of yourself. Brady didn’t derail anything. I can’t even imagine what you are referring to.

    And to the person who said we should ALL be concerned about Goodell’s excessive power, good for you.

  88. falsehopenow says: Jun 5, 2015 10:02 AM

    @ Bpurd

    “Cheating is a bigger problem for the NFL than domestic violence…”

    Wow…ok then. Let’s make sure we ban Jerry Rice from the Hall of Fame and vacate all the 49er draft picks. Because, you know, it’s cheating. Also, every Offensive lineman who is taught how to hold when the ump/ref isn’t looking. Also secondary coaches who teach how a little tug here and there slows down a wide receiver. A pattern of cheating. And on it goes.

    The NFL is tone deaf. Justice is arbitrary. The ginger hammer is the world’s most overpaid Ritz Carlton doorman.

  89. bencoates57 says: Jun 5, 2015 11:14 AM

    First all the farting. Then THIS. The Broncos are really looking good right now.

  90. northoftheborder1968 says: Jun 5, 2015 11:21 AM

    With that pic he could be in an episode of Criminal Minds.

  91. dave399 says: Jun 5, 2015 12:50 PM

    bpurd wrote: “Sorry Patriots fans but cheating is a bigger problem for the NFL than domestic violence.”

    Then he wrote: “Also everytime a report comes out people assume an individual is guilty … not saying if he is guilty or not but we should wait for the facts.”

    —————————————-

    I agree with the second part. But in the case of the Patriots, the facts DID come out and it showed based on the gauge that Walt Anderson used to check the ball pressure, it fell perfectly in line with natural pressure loss.

    How was that fact ignored? The one and only fact that matters? The one that makes each and every other flimsy accusation meaningless? I would love to hear somebody explain that one.

  92. fanofpft says: Jun 6, 2015 4:59 PM

    Cling on hard to that 0.4 % chance of being perfectly in line with natural pressure loss pats homer !

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