Investigation could postpone return of Broncos DL Eyioma Uwazurike

Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike is on the path to potential reinstatement following a gambling suspension. However, one specific development could delay this process. An investigation by the Colorado Department of Revenue and Arapahoe County prosecutors may result in criminal charges against Uwazurike. The NFL is waiting for this process to conclude before deciding whether to reinstate him, with his eligibility to apply for reinstatement on July 24.

Uwazurike is accused of placing 32 bets on five Broncos games, including one in which he played. The investigation began in Iowa and was halted due to a ruling that the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation had wrongfully utilized geolocation software against Uwazurike and others. Uwazurike is being represented by lawyer Harvey Steinberg, who has represented many Broncos players in the past.

According to Steinberg, the Iowa court suppressed all evidence seized in the case, leading to all charges being dismissed. He believes it would be difficult, if not impossible, for Colorado prosecutors to pursue the case based on this ruling. Uwazurike was a fourth-round pick in 2022 and there is still a possibility that he could be reinstated to the Broncos’ roster once he is cleared by the league.