What you need to know about a potential Derek Wolfe suspension

On Tuesday morning, video via TMZ hit the web of Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe throwing punches at a Denver nightclub on Saturday night. Of course, the first thought when an incident like this comes to light is whether or not the player is in trouble with the league or, more importantly, with the law.

First off, it seems the law can be ruled out, no charges were filed and it appears the cops weren’t involved in the incident whatsoever but, as we’ve seen many times before, safe with the law does not always mean safe with the league.

The NFL’s personal conduct policy states, “It is a privilege to be part of the National Football League. Everyone who is part of the league must refrain from conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL.”

If the league were to determine that Wolfe’s actions were detrimental to the league, they could hand down a suspension. If a player is charged with assault, the conduct policy calls for a baseline suspension of six games but despite the fact that there are no formal charges in this instance, Wolfe still isn’t off the hook.

“Even if your conduct does not result in a criminal conviction,” The policy states. “If the league finds that you have engaged in conduct [prohibited by the policy], you will be subject to discipline.”

Broncos safety T.J. Ward missed the first game of the season last year for allegedly throwing a mug at a bartender despite charges eventually being dropped.

With all of that said, Wolfe, on the surface, sounds to be in the clear. In a statement given to the Denver Post this afternoon, league official Brian McCarthy had this to say: “We take a look at any such incident, but it doesn’t appear, on its face, to be something that would lead to league discipline.”

McCarthy could not be reached at this time to shed any additional light on the situation or why the league wouldn’t be led to discipline in this case.

Regardless, early signs look promising for Wolfe to avoid suspension. The Broncos have stated the matter was addressed internally.