Denver Broncos' Dre Greenlaw Suspended One Game for Verbal Threat to Referee

Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw suspended for one game after verbal altercation with referee

Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended for one game by the NFL due to unsportsmanlike conduct following the team’s dramatic 33-32 victory over the New York Giants. The incident occurred when Greenlaw chased down referee Brad Allen and verbally threatened him as Allen tried to leave the field after the game-winning field goal. Greenlaw now has three days to appeal the suspension, which if upheld, will sideline him for the Broncos’ next game against the Dallas Cowboys and cost him nearly $193,000 in salary.

• Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw was suspended one game for verbally threatening referee Brad Allen after the Broncos' 33-32 win over the New York Giants.
• The NFL cited violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(b), prohibiting abusive or threatening language toward officials.
• Greenlaw’s suspension means he will miss practice and the Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys unless he successfully appeals.
• The incident came in Greenlaw’s first game with the Broncos after recovering from injuries and signing a $31.5 million deal.
• The Broncos rallied from a 19-0 deficit to secure the win with all 33 points scored in the fourth quarter, setting a new NFL record.

Incident overview

The suspension stems from a heated moment at the conclusion of the Broncos’ thrilling comeback victory against the New York Giants. After kicker Wil Lutz nailed a 39-yard game-winning field goal, the Broncos players swarmed the field in celebration. Amidst this chaos, referee Brad Allen was trying to exit the field but was pursued aggressively by linebacker Dre Greenlaw. According to the NFL, Greenlaw verbally threatened Allen during this interaction.

Video footage shared by CBS Colorado reporter Alex Wilcox captured the tense moment. The clip shows Allen signaling the field goal as good and the game as over while being surrounded by jubilant Broncos players. As Allen moved away from the cluster of players, Greenlaw chased after him, yelling and gesturing aggressively. The referee also threw a penalty flag on Greenlaw, although the game had already ended by that time. Some fans and analysts noted that Allen appeared to have made contact—pushing linebacker Justin Strnad—before Greenlaw confronted him, possibly explaining what provoked Greenlaw’s reaction. Nevertheless, the NFL maintains that pursuing and verbally abusing an official is unacceptable behavior.

Greenlaw’s background and recent play

The 28-year-old linebacker was playing his first official game with the Denver Broncos after signing a three-year contract worth $31.5 million during the offseason. Prior to joining Denver, Greenlaw spent six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he built a reputation as a high-impact off-ball linebacker. Over his seven-year NFL career, Greenlaw has appeared in 65 games, tallying 461 total tackles and 3.5 sacks, along with four seasons surpassing 80 tackles and 14 passes defensed.

In 2024, Greenlaw’s season was delayed by thigh injuries, causing him to miss the preseason and the first six regular season games. Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants marked his much-anticipated return. Despite limited playtime—only 21 snaps—he made a notable contribution with six tackles and a quarterback hit, helping the Broncos rally from a 19-0 fourth-quarter deficit to an unlikely 33-32 win.

Impact on the Broncos and upcoming schedule

The Broncos’ remarkable comeback set an NFL record for the most points scored in a fourth quarter by a team that had been shut out in the first three quarters. Quarterback Bo Nix played a key role with multiple touchdown passes and runs, including a critical 18-yard rushing touchdown late in the game that secured Denver’s first lead.

With the victory, Denver improved to a 5-2 record, boasting a four-game winning streak. Their next challenge is a home game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8. Greenlaw’s suspension means he will miss this contest unless his appeal succeeds. If the suspension holds, he will also forfeit his salary for the game, amounting to $192,778, and return in Week 9 against the Houston Texans.

Head coach Sean Payton has previously praised Greenlaw for his blend of physicality and athleticism, emphasizing the linebacker’s potential to strengthen the Broncos defense. Payton is expected to address the incident and the team’s outlook following Wednesday’s practice session.

Looking ahead: appeal and team response

Greenlaw has three days under the collective bargaining agreement to appeal the suspension decision. Meanwhile, Broncos linebacker Que Robinson was seen attempting to restrain Greenlaw during the referee encounter, indicating immediate concern from teammates over the situation.

Details about what exactly triggered Greenlaw’s reaction remain unclear, and the Broncos organization, along with the NFL, are likely to provide further information as the appeal process unfolds. Given Greenlaw’s injury struggles and the significance of the upcoming matchups, his availability is an important factor for Denver moving forward.

The NFL’s stance on maintaining respect and decorum toward officials underscores the gravity of the suspension, reminding players of the consequences of unsportsmanlike conduct even in high-tension scenarios.

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The Denver Broncos continue building momentum on the field, but the suspension of key defensive player Dre Greenlaw introduces new challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how the appeal proceeds and how the team adapts for their Week 8 clash with the Dallas Cowboys.

Questions and answers

Q: Why was Dre Greenlaw suspended by the NFL?

A: Dre Greenlaw was suspended by the NFL due to a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. Specific details about the incident have not been publicly disclosed, but such suspensions typically involve issues related to off-field behavior that the NFL deems detrimental to the integrity of the league.

Q: Details on Denver Broncos vs New York Giants 2024 comeback

A: In the 2024 matchup between the Denver Broncos and New York Giants, the Broncos executed a remarkable comeback in the second half. Trailing by double digits at halftime, Denver rallied behind strong defensive plays and key offensive drives, culminating in a last-minute touchdown that secured their victory. This game was notable for its intense momentum shifts and demonstrated the Broncos’ resilience.

Q: Who is Brad Allen NFL referee?

A: Brad Allen is an NFL official who serves as a referee, the lead official responsible for overseeing the game's rules and overall conduct on the field. He has gained recognition for his clear communication and fair judgment during games. Allen is known for his experience in both college football officiating and the NFL, making him a respected figure in the league.

Q: Impact of Dre Greenlaw suspension on Broncos

A: Dre Greenlaw's suspension could significantly impact the Denver Broncos' defensive capabilities, as he is a key linebacker known for his tackling and leadership on the field. His absence may force the team to adjust their defensive schemes and rely on less experienced players to fill the gap. This could potentially weaken the Broncos’ run defense and overall team chemistry during his suspension period.

Q: How to appeal NFL player suspension

A: To appeal an NFL player suspension, the player or their representatives must submit a formal appeal request to the NFL Commissioner within the designated timeframe, typically 3 to 7 days after the suspension announcement. The appeal process includes a hearing where evidence and arguments are presented. The Commissioner or an appointed arbitrator will then review the case and issue a final decision, which can uphold, reduce, or overturn the suspension.

Key Entities

Dre Greenlaw: Dre Greenlaw is a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He is recognized for his tackling ability and has been a key contributor to the 49ers' defensive unit.

Denver Broncos: The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the NFL's AFC West division. The team has won multiple Super Bowl titles and is known for its strong defensive history.

Brad Allen: Brad Allen is an NFL official who serves as a referee during professional football games. He is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order on the field during NFL contests.

New York Giants: The New York Giants are an NFL team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, competing in the NFC East division. The franchise has a storied history with multiple NFL championships, including four Super Bowl victories.

Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys are a professional football team located in Arlington, Texas, playing in the NFL's NFC East division. Known as 'America's Team,' the Cowboys have won five Super Bowl championships and enjoy a large national fan base.

External articles

• NFL: Ref appears to push Broncos player before Dre ...
• Broncos' Dre Greenlaw suspended one game for verbally ...
• Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw suspended one game for ...

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YouTube Video

Title: BREAKING: Dre Greenlaw Suspended For THREATENING Ref? #nfl #broncos #shorts
Channel: Broncos Breakdown by Chat Sports
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_QGJdPNC3Q
Published: 13 hours ago