How the Broncos are proceeding with Melvin Gordon after he was charged with a DUI

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Late Tuesday night, Melvin Gordon was charged with driving under the influence and driving between 25 and 39 miles per hour over the speed limit near downtown Denver.

The Broncos’ high-paid running back reported to the team’s headquarters on Wednesday morning but was sent home before practice.

“I didn’t want him to practice today until we got to the bottom of everything — talk to the league, get all of the facts in order before we make a decision on what we’re going to do and weigh the differences between how the mandated league punishment may be and anything we want to do in addition to that,” head coach Vic Fangio stated on Wednesday.

According to a source, Gordon and Fangio talked on Wednesday morning before the running back was sent home for the rest of the day. The message being delivered, both publicly and privately, is the team is there to support Gordon, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be punishment for his actions.

“I’m disappointed. But my own two kids have disappointed me at some points in their life, but I never stopped loving them,” Fangio stated. “He’s one of us, we’re going to love him, but there will be some consequences to what happened last night.”

Gordon and the organization have been in communication throughout the day as the team and NFL continue to gather more information.

The Pro Bowl running back is facing a three-game suspension under the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement. However, any potential punishment from the league is not expected immediately. Gordon’s arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 13.

When asked if Gordon could face internal discipline and be deactivated for Sunday’s game against the Patriots, Fangio stated, “Everything is open right now. We hope to have a decision made by tomorrow or the next day.”

The NFL’s strict COVID-19 protocols are also something being looked at in this case. As of now, Fangio doesn’t believe Gordon violated any of the COVID-19 protocols, but couldn’t guarantee that.

“There was no interruption in his testing protocol,” Fangio confirmed. “The appropriate people are investigating who he was around and all that today. I’ve been told, so far, that nothing has come of that. But obviously, that’s yet to be determined.”

Gordon had dinner with two close friends on Tuesday night in Denver and drove home after, according to a source. He’s had open and “good” internal conversations with the Broncos since, including talks with John Elway.

The Broncos released the following statement on Wednesday morning when asked by DNVR about Gordon’s charges.

“We are aware of the situation involving Melvin Gordon. Our organization has been in communication with him and is in the process of gathering more details.”

The Broncos hope the rest of the team learns from Gordon’s incident.

“This is a teaching moment for all of the guys. I don’t even think you have to make a big deal of it,” Fangio said, explaining how he addresses the team about the situation. “Obviously, there are going to be some ramifications and penalties for Melvin if the thing proceeds like we think it will.”

Gordon spent Wednesday at home after returning from the facility in the morning. His teammates are supporting him, both privately and publicly.

“I was of course upset, but we’re also here for him,” Drew Lock said. “It’s like having a brother that gets in trouble. You’re not going to bash him for what he did. You’re going to pick him up and take him to get ice cream or something. I’m hoping that he can play on Sunday, but obviously, that’s not up to me. That’s above my paygrade so to say. I do feel upset for him. We’re there for him. Whatever he needs.”

Gordon’s status for Sunday’s game remains up in the air, but the team hopes to have a decision by Thursday or Friday.