"Good people make mistakes, OK?" Ballard said in articulating an initial defense for keeping the veteran wide receiver on the roster heading into the team's regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens."He's a tremendous human being.Give him some grace.
And he'll work through the process of the legal system."Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sept.15, 2025.
(Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)So, it is clear that is what the Colts intend to do.Allen was a late training camp addition because the Colts decided they needed insurance against Alec Pierce's return to health from a lingering calf and heel issue.ANTHONY RICHARDSON'S TURNOVERS IN PRESEASON OPENER RAISE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS COLTS FUTUREHe signed a one-year contract on Aug.19 and it made sense because the 34-year-old wide receiver is reuniting with head coach Shane Steichen, who previously worked with Allen in Los Angeles.Allen also came with an endorsement from Philip Rivers, who played for the Colts previously and after Daniel Jones was injured last year.
Rivers and Allen were teammates with the Chargers.Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec.22, 2025, in Indianapolis.
(AP Photo/AJ Mast)And that history is a major reason Ballard is defending Allen."Fourteen years in a league, no issues, OK?" Ballard said."Decorated career, decorated teammate, as you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers.
I know Philip holds him in extremely high regard, and Shane was with him."And after you meet his his mom and dad who are just amazing people, we feel good about who he is."Unequivocally."Allen played in only one preseason game for the Colts after being signed.But hours after that preseason appearance Saturday, he was arrested at approximately 1 a.m., Sunday in downtown Indiana...