Broncos safety T.J. Ward has been suspended for the first game of the 2015 season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, reports Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter links). Ward will miss the Broncos’ Week 1 game against the Ravens before returning two weeks from tonight to play the Chiefs.
As Garafolo notes, Ward’s personal conduct violation stems from an incident that took place at a strip club shortly after the safety signed with the Broncos in 2014. Ward was accused of throwing a glass mug at a bartender after she told him outside drinks were not allowed in the Denver club. Misdemeanor charges against the 28-year-old were dropped last August when Ward agreed to perform four hours of community service.
Ward, who came to Denver after spending four years with the Browns, earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod last season, recording 76 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks for the Broncos. His stout play contributed to Denver ranking fifth overall in passing defense DVOA last season, per Football Outsiders.
In Ward’s absence, David Bruton figures to be the next man up at strong safety.
