Legally Reviewed by Shazam Kianpour on September 2, 2026
The Denver Broncos expressed anger, frustration and embarrasment following the drunk driving arrests of two of their top lieutenants, Matt Russell, director of player personnel and Tom Heckert, director of pro personnel. Now that the initial emotions have subsided, the discipline will be handed down.
According to the Denver Post, Heckert will be suspended from the team for one month. He will serve his suspension without pay. Russell will be suspended indefinitely without pay. The discipline handed down from the Broncos is likely in lieu of suspensions by the National Football League (NFL) (as executives and coaches are subject to the league’s personal conduct policy). It remains to be seen whether the league will include additional sanctions.
The Broncos suspensions are yet another example of the workplace sanctions that can occur when someone is arrested (but not convicted) of drunk driving. The higher the profile of the position, the more likely an offending employee will be disciplined.
In the meantime, Broncos president John Elway explained that they will focus on making sure that everyone within the organization realizes the importance of making responsible choices with alcohol and how DUI arrests cannot be tolerated. At the same time, the Broncos will be committed to making sure that Heckert and Russell get the appropriate attention they need to address their respective alcohol problems.
Meanwhile, they both face criminal charges. Russell reportedly had a .246 blood alcohol content before his arrest, and Heckert had a .162 BAC when he was taken into custody. They also face administrative penalties such as the loss of their licenses for a period of time, and the prospect of having ignition interlock devices in their vehicles.
Source: DenverPost.com, Broncos’ DUI arrests lead to suspensions for Matt Russell, Tom Heckert, July 16, 2013
Why a DUI Arrest Can Cost a Professional Their Job
Years later, this story still illustrates something that has not changed under Colorado law: an arrest is not the same thing as a conviction, but the fallout from an arrest can begin immediately, regardless of how the criminal case is eventually resolved. Employers, licensing boards, and professional organizations often act on the fact of an arrest itself, long before a court reaches a verdict.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the costs of a DUI extend well beyond fines and court fees, and impaired driving continues to be linked to thousands of crashes on Colorado roads every year. That reality is part of why employers, especially in high-visibility industries like professional sports, tend to respond quickly and publicly once an arrest becomes known.
Administrative Penalties Move Faster Than the Criminal Case
One detail in this story is worth emphasizing: the license consequences described are handled separately from the criminal charges. In Colorado, the Department of Revenue can suspend or revoke driving privileges through an administrative process that runs on its own timeline, independent of whatever happens in criminal court. A person arrested for DUI has only seven days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge that administrative suspension. Missing that window results in an automatic suspension, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
An ignition interlock device requirement, like the one referenced in this story, is one of several administrative consequences that can apply even before a case is resolved in court.
Employment and Reputational Fallout After an Arrest
For professionals and public figures, an arrest alone can trigger internal investigations, suspensions, or public statements from an employer, even while the underlying charges are still being litigated. This is not limited to professional sports. Licensed professionals, executives, and anyone in a position of public trust can face similar scrutiny.
We have written in more detail about how background checks factor in after a DUI arrest or conviction, since the presence of an arrest record, not just a conviction, can show up in screenings used by employers and licensing bodies for years afterward.
What a First DUI Charge Actually Involves in Colorado
Regardless of a person’s profile or profession, the legal process following a DUI arrest in Colorado follows the same basic framework. Colorado law defines driving under the influence as operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol to a degree that leaves a person substantially incapable of exercising clear judgment or safe physical control of the vehicle. The legal BAC threshold is 0.08% for most drivers.
We break down the penalties, the DMV hearing deadline, and the defense process for people facing this situation for the first time in our overview of first offense DUI charges in Denver.
Facing a DUI Charge That Could Affect Your Career
Whether you work in professional sports, hold a professional license, or simply want to protect your employment and your record, the days immediately following a DUI arrest matter. Decisions made early, including whether and how to request a DMV hearing, can affect both the administrative and criminal sides of your case.
Our attorneys have handled thousands of DUI and criminal defense cases throughout the Denver metro area and understand the added pressure that comes with a high-visibility arrest. Reach out through our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Arrests and Employment in Colorado
Can my employer discipline me for a DUI arrest before my case is resolved?
In most cases, yes. Colorado is generally an at-will employment state, and many employers, especially in high-visibility or licensed professions, act on an arrest itself rather than waiting for a conviction. Employment consequences can occur even when a case is later reduced or dismissed.
Is losing my license automatic after a DUI arrest?
License suspension is handled through a separate administrative process at the Colorado Department of Revenue, not the criminal court. You have seven days from the date of arrest to request a hearing challenging the suspension, and missing that deadline results in an automatic suspension regardless of how the criminal case turns out.
How long does a DUI arrest stay on someone’s record?
A DUI arrest or conviction generally remains on a person’s criminal record permanently in Colorado, since DUI-related offenses are not eligible for record sealing under current state law. This is part of why background checks can continue to reflect a DUI case for years after it concludes.
Does a high BAC automatically mean a harsher penalty?
A higher BAC can potentially lead to enhanced administrative consequences, including a persistent drunk driver designation at 0.15% or above, which carries a longer mandatory ignition interlock requirement. The criminal penalty ultimately depends on the specific facts of the case and any prior record.
Should I talk to my employer before speaking with an attorney?
It is generally wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney before making any detailed statements to an employer about a pending DUI arrest. An attorney can help you understand what you are required to disclose and how to avoid statements that could complicate your defense.
About the Attorney
Founding Attorney, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.
Shazam Kianpour represents clients facing DUI and criminal charges throughout the Denver area. He and his team focus on scrutinizing the evidence behind an arrest to build the strongest possible defense.
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Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.