# Keenan Allen charged as NFL battles drinking and driving

> The Colts wide receiver joins a growing list of NFL figures arrested on DUI charges in 2026.
- Title: Keenan Allen charged as NFL battles drinking and driving
- Summary: The Colts wide receiver joins a growing list of NFL figures arrested on DUI charges in 2026. Keenan Allen faces up to a year in jail and possible NFL…
- Keywords: keenan allen, indianapolis colts, dui charge, nfl, drinking and driving, operating while intoxicated, 2026 arrests, personal conduct policy, chris ballard, news, politics, Keenan
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nfl-battle-drinking-driving-continues-keenan-allen-formally-charged-indianapolis
- Author: Armando Salguero
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: keenan allen, indianapolis colts, dui charge, nfl, drinking and driving, operating while intoxicated, 2026 arrests, personal conduct policy, chris ballard, news, politics
## Colts star formally charged with DUI
Keenan Allen was arrested early August 30 after playing in a preseason game. He's charged with operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more and operating while intoxicated.
## Breathalyzer showed nearly triple the limit
Allen failed a portable breathalyzer test twice, then registered 0.224 at 1:22 a.m., nearly three times Indiana's legal limit. Police noted he was extremely short of breath and showed signs of intoxication.
## Failed multiple sobriety tests
Allen showed lack of smooth eye movement, difficulty walking, and difficulty standing on one leg. He consented to a blood draw before being taken to Marion County Jail.
## Part of a troubling 2026 trend
Allen joins five other NFL-connected figures arrested on DUI charges this year: Vikings assistant coach Gerald Alexander, Commanders assistant coach Ben Steele, former Eagles running back Miles Sanders, Tony Romo, and Ted Ginn Jr.
## Possible jail time and NFL suspension
Allen faces up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine for the alcohol concentration charge, plus up to 60 days and $500 for operating while intoxicated. The NFL typically suspends players three games for alcohol-related offenses.
## Plea deal likely, Ballard shows support
A source told OutKick a plea deal is more likely than jail time. Colts GM Chris Ballard said Allen is a tremendous human being and asked for grace as he works through the legal process.

> Good people make mistakes. He's a tremendous human being. Give him some grace and he'll work through the process of the legal system.
## Allen played in season opener despite charges
Allen played in the Colts' loss to the Ravens in their regular-season opener, catching six passes for 32 yards. The charges were filed after the preseason game but before the regular season began.
## Key takeaway

Keenan Allen faces up to a year in jail and possible NFL suspension after being charged with operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.224, nearly three times Indiana's legal limit.