Former Denver Broncos RB Lance Ball arrested for domestic violence, assault

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, former Denver Broncos running back Lance Ball was arrested on Monday due to suspicion of assault after a domestic violence disturbance in Highlands Ranch. The reported scene isn’t pretty.

Police initially responded to the situation after after a neighbor claimed that the victim had run to her house with her head bleeding, officials said. According to Denver 9 News, “The victim told deputies that Ball had returned home after golfing, during which he had been drinking, and had started an argument. The deputies were told he strangled the victim, broke home furnishings and took a watch from the victim’s wrist and threw it into the street. The victim also said he threw a cellphone, which hit the victim in the head.”

Ball was a football standout at the University of Maryland, but was not drafted. However, after working on the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts for a few months, Ball was called up on Dec. 28, 2008 and played in his first NFL game on the same date.

In 2010, Ball joined the Broncos and played out his career there over the next three years. In 42 career games, Ball amassed 801 rushing yards, averaging 4.2 yards a carry. The Broncos released Ball on August 31, 2013.

As of 2016, Ball worked in the sales department for Zoom Video Communications, according to a story done by northjersey.com’s Matt Ehalt. Ball looked back on his playing days fondly.

“It was one heck of a ride,” Ball said. “From how I started and bounced around it was a great experience. I met a lot of good people and traveled around the country and saw different organizations. It always kind of seemed like a dream. I had a feeling like I wanted to be a professional athlete after college and pursue it after I wasn’t drafted. … It was great. I tried to stay in there as long as I did.”

Ball was taken into custody on Monday under suspicion of:

• Second-degree assault (Class 3 felony)
• Telephone – obstruct service (Class 1 misdemeanor)
• Criminal mischief (Class 2 misdemeanor)

The 37-year-old NFL veteran is set to appear in court on Friday.