Broncos coach Mike Shanahan left no doubt why punter Todd Sauerbrun was cut by the team Tuesday.
He was abusive to Denver police officers who responded to a disturbance outside a Cherry Creek restaurant in the early hours of Dec. 8, Shanahan said.
Sauerbrun was cited for simple assault. He allegedly slapped a cab driver in the back of the head. Sauerbrun denies the allegations.
Sauerbrun is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 15.
“The bottom line was, the way he treated the police officers, not to get into the situation that happened with the taxi cab driver, but the way he talked to the officers and the way he handled that situation was very un-professional,” Shanahan said. “The police officers here in Denver have done an unbelievable job for us, working with the Darrent Williams case, they’ve just been very good. For him to handle himself that way, in that situation, was uncalled for. That’s why he’s not with us.”
Shanahan decided to address the subject during his news conference Wednesday after Sauerbrun commented about his release. Sauerbrun said he thought he was released because of the citation and that he thought Broncos owner Pat Bowlen wanted him gone.
“I’m just a punter,” Sauerbrun said after hearing about Shanahan’s comments. “No punter in the league gets attention like I do.”
Sauerbrun was not claimed off waivers Wednesday.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
