Bradlee Van Pelt may never go to another Colorado State-Colorado game again.
It would hurt the current Broncos backup quarterback and former Rams star not to support his school in person in their rivalry game, but after he created a disturbance on the CSU sideline Saturday in the Rams’ 31-28 loss to the Buffaloes at Folsom Field, Van Pelt thinks it may be in his best interests to stay away.
“I get too passionate about it,” Van Pelt said Monday. “I might just have to stay away from it because I can get in too much trouble.”
Van Pelt apologized Monday to CSU, CU, the Broncos and fans for his antics on the sideline. Van Pelt was wearing a shirt with an obscene word on it, supporting the Rams. He also engaged in some heckling with Buffaloes fans on the sideline.
The Broncos received e-mails and calls about Van Pelt from angry CU fans.
“I am truly sorry about it,” Van Pelt said. “I wish I could take it back. I’m representing the Broncos, and I shouldn’t have done it. I am sorry, it was classless.”
Coach Mike Shanahan called Van Pelt into his office Monday morning. Shanahan said he told Van Pelt he expects his players to act with respect in public.
“It won’t happen again,” Shanahan said.
Van Pelt says he plans to apologize to team owner Pat Bowlen as well.
“We love him, and we loved him when he was here, but he has to remember who he is and who he represents,” Colorado State athletic director Mark Driscoll said of Van Pelt. “He has to understand he has an impact on young people. He has to do something positive that all of us can be proud of.”
Staff writer Natalie Meisler contributed to this report.
