T.J. Ward Suspended For Season Opener For Violation Of Personal Conduct Rule

The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos safety TJ Ward for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13 for a violation of the personal-conduct policy.

Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo first reported via Twitter, and the Broncos have confirmed that Ward has been suspended over an incident that occurred on May 9, 2014 at a Denver strip club. Ward and club staff were arguing over bringing in outside drinks when the Broncos safety threw a glass mug that struck a waitress in the wrist. A charge of misdemeanor assault and disturbing the peace was later dropped. 

The incident was turned over to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell immediately after the incident. Why it took 16 months for the suspension to come down from the commissioner is not known. Ward has already appealed the suspension and lost.

Since the highly controversial incidents over the last year involving the suspensions of Ray Rice and Greg Hardy for domestic violence, the league has taken a harder line over player and front office conduct on and off the field. The NFL can hand down discipline for a violation of the personal-conduct policy regardless if criminal charges are filed.

Ward was signed by the Broncos in March of 2014 as a free agent from the Cleveland Browns. Considered one of the hardest hitting safeties in the NFL, Ward ranked second on the team last season in tackles with 74 (60 solo) and was voted to his second consecutive Pro Bowl.  

The Broncos defense was already going into the start of the season without defensive tackle Derek Wolfe who was suspended four games for a violation of the NFL's performance enhancement policy. Denver will now rotate David Bruton and Omar Bolden into Ward's position.