BRONCOS RELEASE PLAYERS
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – The Denver Broncos have released talented but troubled linebacker D.J. Williams, who was suspended for nine games last season and lost his starting job to Wesley Woodyard. The Broncos also released third quarterback Caleb Hanie, who didn’t take a single snap in his one season in Denver last year behind Peyton Manning and his backup, rookie Brock Osweiler. Williams was a first-round draft pick in 2004 out of the University of Miami. He played all of the linebacker positions for the Broncos and was the team’s leading tackler during most of his nine seasons in Denver.
Williams collected 886 tackles, 20 1/2 sacks, two interceptions, 41 pass breakups, 14 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries but also made headlines off the field.
BRONCOS SIGN SAFETY
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – The Denver Broncos have re-signed backup safety David Bruton to a three-year deal, keeping their special teams ace from entering free agency Tuesday. Bruton has been the team’s top special teams player since the Broncos selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 draft out of Notre Dame. On Monday morning, Bruton tweeted, “Still a Bronco! Deals done! Blessed to continue a career in the NFL.”
The Broncos also are trying to re-sign defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson before he hits free agency and they’ve asked defensive end Elvis Dumervil to take a pay cut. If not, he’ll be traded or released before Saturday when his $12 million salary for 2013 becomes guaranteed. Dumervil is also due $10 million in 2014 and $8 million in 2015.
BLIZZARD IMPACTS SPORTS ON FRONT RANGE
DENVER (AP) – A blizzard dumping more than a foot of snow along the Colorado Front Range on Saturday has put a damper on the busiest day in sports in the state, scuttling plans to use a bright orange soccer ball in the Rapids’ home opener against Philadelphia.
Major League Soccer postponed that game until Sunday, after the storm has moved out.
As of midday Saturday, all four big college basketball games in the state and the Denver Nuggets’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves were still on. The University of Colorado issued a statement saying its 2:30 p.m. game against Oregon State would go on as scheduled but asked fans “to use extreme caution if they are still planning to attend,” noting that “travel in the Denver-Boulder area is not advised.”
