Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike is eligible to apply for reinstatement from his indefinite gambling suspension on July 24. However, Mike Klis of 9News in Denver shares a detail that could delay Uwazurike’s comeback.
The Colorado Department of Revenue is investigating whether Uwazurike violated any state gambling laws. Although no charges have been filed, Klis reports that the state is cooperating with Arapahoe County for a criminal inquiry into Uwazurike. There was a criminal complaint against the athlete from the Story County (Iowa) Attorney’s Office last year.
The Iowa State alum made around 801 bets in the years leading up to his suspension, including ones involving the Cyclones and the Broncos. Klis notes that the original gambling accusations in Iowa were dismissed, as attorneys successfully argued that the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation violated constitutional rights when collecting incriminating evidence using geolocation software.
This development suggests Uwazurike has a good chance of overcoming the current investigation in Colorado. Attorney Harvey Steinberg informed Klis that the state will have challenges prosecuting the player following the Iowa dismissal.
“Iowa court suppressed all evidence seized, finding it was taken illegally,” Steinberg stated. “That ruling is binding on the Colorado courts and the Colorado prosecutors. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to attempt to prosecute a case here when all the charges were dismissed in Iowa as a result of that ruling.”
While Uwazurike might escape legal repercussions, it may not expedite his return to the NFL. As per Klis, the league is “waiting until state and local authorities conclude their review” before considering reinstatement. Thus, even though Uwazurike can seek reinstatement in a few weeks, his return may not be immediate. Players are slated to report to Denver’s training camp on July 23, right before Uwazurike’s first potential reinstatement date.
The Broncos utilized Uwazurike as a reserve defensive lineman in eight games in 2022, where he logged 165 defensive snaps. Despite his limited production, the organization (including coach Sean Payton, who didn’t coach Uwazurike in the 2023 season) continues to back the former fourth-round pick. A source informed Klis that the 26-year-old “has demonstrated contrition and a willingness to change” by attending therapy and gambler’s anonymous meetings. It appears Denver is open to allowing him the opportunity to revive his career, even if it entails Uwazurike temporarily landing on the practice squad.