It’s not exactly a secret in the NFL that Brandon Marshall would like to leave Denver.
But Mike Klis writes in today’s Denver Post that the reasons for Marshall wanting to leave have been somewhat misunderstood, and have to do with more than just a desire to get paid more, or personal differences with coach Josh McDaniels.
Klis writes, citing several people close to Marshall, that the January 1, 2007, murder of teammate Darrent Williams continues to torment Marshall.
Marshall was with Williams just minutes before he was shot and killed, and Marshall was allegedly involved in an altercation at a nightclub that may have had something to do with the shooting. The trial of Willie Clark, the man charged with murdering Williams, is set to begin this week, and Marshall is expected to testify.
Per Klis, Marshall has felt grief and guilt since Williams’ death, and that’s a big part of why Marshall doesn’t like being in Denver.
Marshall alluded to as much after his October 22, 2007, DUI arrest, in which he said to the arresting officer, “I hate this f--king city” and “Why aren’t you guys out looking for Williams’ killer?”
This off-season Marshall may finally get his wish of leaving the Broncos. His testimony in the murder trial could be the last time he’s seen in Denver.