Broncos suspended DL Eyioma Uwazurike faces possible setback in NFL reinstatement

The Denver Broncos had hoped that defensive player Eyioma Uwazurike, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Tournament, would be reinstated after he missed the entire 2024 season due to a suspension. accordingly 9NEWS‘ Mike KlisUwazurike could be facing a setback that could further jeopardize his career with the Broncos and in the NFL.

According to Klis, the Colorado Department of Revenue and Arapahoe County prosecutors are reviewing Uwazurike’s case to “determine whether state gambling laws were violated.” If the state believes laws were broken, Uwazurike could face criminal charges.

This would prevent the NFL from reinstating Uwazurike.

“Sources say the NFL is waiting until state and local authorities complete their review before deciding whether to reinstate Uwazurike. That could happen if he can apply for reinstatement on July 24, or the day after the Broncos’ veteran players report to training camp.

“Although players are often reinstated by the league on the same day they apply, it is important to note that each case is different. In Uwazurike’s case, he is accused of placing 32 bets on five Broncos games, including one in which he played, according to a criminal complaint filed last year by the Story County (Iowa) District Attorney’s Office,” Klis reported.

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Uwazurike was not only caught betting on NFL games. He is also said to have bet on five Broncos games.

The one-year suspension is justified, but any potential criminal proceedings could hinge on whether the state of Colorado can admit evidence from an Iowa State investigation into Uwazurike and other Cyclone teammates that was previously deemed inadmissible due to unlawful means.

“In another twist, the initial gambling charges against Uwazurike and other Iowa State athletes were suppressed and dismissed because it was determined that the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation had improperly used geolocation software to collect information about their locations. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, including Uwazurike, successfully argued that the use of the geolocation software was a violation of their constitutional rights,” Klis reported.

The Broncos could use a little help on the defensive line, and while Uwazurike could provide that, he may be too radioactive for the team. Even if Colorado State doesn’t press charges, the gambling allegations and suspension will be a story that follows him throughout his NFL career, and the Broncos would always have to wonder if he was betting on games, risking the drama of his suspension and track record becoming a distraction in the locker room.

If we were talking about Aaron Donald coming back, maybe those are risks a team like the Broncos would be willing to take. But Uwazurike isn’t like that, even though he’s talented.

A fourth-round pick in 2022, Uwazurike appeared in eight games in his rookie year, recording 17 total tackles (11 solo), two quarterback hits and one deflected pass.

The Broncos have worked to improve their defensive line this year by signing Malcolm Roach and acquiring John Franklin-Myers via trade. Combined with incumbents Zach Allen and DJ Jones and supporting players like Matt Henningsen and Elijah Garcia, the Broncos now have a solid rotation on offense and don’t necessarily need Uwazurike.

The other question, even if the NFL does reinstate Uwazurike at some point in the near future (and perhaps as early as July 23 or 24), is whether he has managed to stay in shape during his more than year-long absence from play. He was 6-foot-6 and weighed 315 pounds when he last wore the orange and blue jersey.

For a young player trying to make it in the NFL, missing a season for any reason can be career-threatening. Of course, it’s usually due to injury. In Uwazurike’s case, he can’t blame bad luck or a quirk of fate for his missed time. Only himself.

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