ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Mike Shanahan begged for time before responding about the arrest of former Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry on drug charges.
Following Friday’s practice, the Broncos’ coach issued his response.
“Obviously, when a guy gets an opportunity, you’re hoping that he is going to take advantage of it from a football side,” said Shanahan. “And when he didn’t do the things that he was supposed to do during the offseason program, obviously, we released him.”
“But for him to experience what he’s experienced right now, I wouldn’t wish that on anybody and it’s really a shame,” Shanahan said.
Henry, who was released by the Broncos on June 2, was arrested Tuesday after an alleged cocaine deal, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said.
Henry and James Mack are in federal custody on suspicion of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. A preliminary hearing and detention hearing were scheduled for Monday.
Henry had signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Broncos before the 2007 season, but was dogged during training camp by a sprained left knee. He was released when Shanahan said his commitment was lacking.
Henry had signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Broncos before the 2007 season, but was dogged during training camp by a sprained left knee.
Also there were revelations he had fathered nine children by nine women, a fact that came out in a child support case in Georgia.
“Obviously, he made some mistakes when he was younger. A lot of guys get a second chance and deserve to get a second chance,” Shanahan said. “Obviously, he didn’t take advantage of it.”
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BRONCOS FOCUSED ON RUN DEFENSE: The Denver Broncos see the numbers. Tampa Bay quarterback Brian Griese has thrown the ball 128 times in the last three games, and yet the Broncos will emphasize stopping the run.
“They like to get the run going, establish the run early,” cornerback Dre’ Bly said. “That will be our focus.”
Champ Bailey sees another reason for the Buccaneers taking a run-first approach: Griese has thrown six interceptions over the last three games.
“I know they are going to try to run the ball first,” Bailey said. “That’s how you stop throwing picks.”
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PATIENCE: The most frequently repeated slogan from members of Denver’s offense this week: Be patient.
“I’ve heard that said more than once,” rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal said. “You have to be patient, just get first downs and move the chains because they try to limit the big plays.”
Team statistics back what Royal and his teammates are saying. Tampa Bay stingily allows 98 yards on the ground per game, and slightly more than 216 yards per game through the air.
“You have to be patient as a quarterback,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “You can’t look for it (big plays) because they are not going to give it to you.”
Of equal concern is turnovers. The Buccaneers are tied for the lead with eight interceptions and they rank second in the league in points scored off turnovers (48).
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BRONCO BITS: DT Josh Shaw (groin) didn’t practice for a second straight day. … DE John Engelberger (knee) was a full participant after being held to a limited basis on Thursday. … The Broncos announced that Tampa Bay had returned 300 tickets for Sunday’s game.
