Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard asked for grace. The reaction from some NFL fans was considerably less forgiving.
On Tuesday, Ballard said that Keenan Allen remains firmly in the team’s plans after the veteran receiver’s weekend arrest, calling the veteran wide receiver a “tremendous human being” and describing the incident as a mistake.
NFL Fans React to Chris Ballard Defending Keenan Allen’s ‘Mistake’
Ballard noted that Allen is expected to play in Indianapolis’ season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13. The Colts GM told reporters that “good people make mistakes” and asked that Allen be given grace while the legal process plays out, according to ESPN.
That choice of wording quickly became the center of the backlash.
“DUI is more than a mistake, dude, literally life and death for innocent people sharing the road. Get a grip,” one fan wrote back.
Another fan focused on the alternatives available to an NFL player earning millions.
“nonsense, guy makes millions, he can uber or hire a driver. no excuse,” another user added.
DUI is more than a mistake dude, literally life and death for innocent people sharing the road. Get a grip. https://t.co/zxqYabJBg9
— Adam Castro (@Amcastro16) September 1, 2026
A different response compared to Allen’s situation with consequences that an average employee might face.
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“I’m a good person, busting my hump at my job 5 years. If I get a DUI I’m fired immediately. Like what are we doing here?” another fan wrote.
I’m a good person, busting my hump at my job 5 years. If I get a DUI I’m fired immediately. Like what are we doing here?
— RegalDesertEagle (@birdmanokay) September 1, 2026
One user invoked late Colts owner Jim Irsay’s publicly discussed struggles with addiction while calling the organization’s response “nonsense” in a critical reply.
Another fan went much further, arguing an innocent victim “may have died” because of Allen’s actions.
While there was no crash, fans are pointing out the worst-case scenario that could have played out with Allen alledgely getting behind the wheel impaired.
Colts Still Expect Allen to Play Week 1
Indianapolis police arrested Allen early Sunday after officers found his vehicle in a no-parking zone and said he showed signs of intoxication. He faces misdemeanor allegations of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating while intoxicated, endangering a person.
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The NFL has not announced discipline, and ESPN reported that Ballard said any internal action by the Colts will not involve Allen missing playing time.
Ballard pointed to Allen’s 14-year NFL career, with no prior public legal issues, and said that head coach Shane Steichen and former teammate Philip Rivers both hold him in high regard.
Allen signed with Indianapolis in August after spending 2025 back with the Los Angeles Chargers. He caught 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns last season, earning a 77.0 WR Impact grade that ranked No. 27 among qualifying receivers.
The arrest has already produced another wave of online criticism over Allen’s decision-making. None of that changes the legal standard: Allen has not been convicted, and the process remains ongoing.
Ballard’s position is equally clear. The Colts believe Allen’s history merits grace and still expect him on the field in Week 1.
The fans criticizing that stance are drawing a different line. In their view, supporting Allen as a person does not require describing alleged impaired driving as just another mistake.
