Aqib Talib Could Still Face Discipline Over Shooting
ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Pro Football Writer
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Aqib Talib could still be disciplined by the NFL even if the Denver Broncos star cornerback faces no criminal charges in the shooting last summer in Texas which a bullet pierced his right leg.
Dallas police have not confirmed a report by WFAA-TV in Dallas that their investigation is closed and no charges are forthcoming against Talib after detectives determined he shot himself on June 5.
Even if he faces no legal consequences, Talib could still be suspended or fined by the NFL, which doesn't require criminal charges or a conviction to mete out player punishment.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Talib's case "is under review of the personal conduct policy."
Talib, who has had firearm incidents in the past, told police the night he was shot that he was too intoxicated to recall details of the shooting. He required stitches but no surgery and missed the Broncos' visit to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl title.
Talib has offered few specifics of the shooting, other than to say he feels fortunate to still be playing football and wants to concentrate on helping the Broncos repeat as champions.
After a three-month layoff, Talib returned to the field Aug. 8. He's started all four of Denver's games and has three interceptions, one shy of his total from 2015 when he earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth.
Talib returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown against Andrew Luck in Week 2, his ninth career pick-6 , and his fifth for Denver, a franchise record. Last week, he picked off a pair of passes in his return to Tampa Bay, where he played from 2008-12. Those interceptions set up Denver's first two touchdowns in the Broncos' 27-7 win.
The Broncos (4-0) host the Atlanta Falcons (3-1) on Sunday.
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