Marshal was charged with misdemeanor battery stemming from an altercation with his girlfriend in March 2008. Marshall had hoped that his acquittal on Aug. 14, 2009, would give him leverage in seeking more money. When Broncos management did not respond, Marshall was not cooperative at practices. “He was given a warning Wednesday about his conduct being detrimental to the club and his actions didn’t really change after that warning,” McDaniels said. “That leads us to today.”
Marshall released this statement on his Web site about his acquittal: “Today, in the Atlanta courthouse, I was able to give factual evidence pleading my case and was found not guilty by a jury of [my] peers. Today, I was not only on trial for my character and actions off the field but my family and my future were at stake. I would also like to thank all fans of the game and more specific[ly], the fans in Denver who stuck by me and continued to have faith in my character and integrity. I am grateful for the outcome of this case and I am thankful to have this opportunity to move forward. With that said, in the near future my fiancé and I are anxious to volunteer our time to support and speak out against domestic violence. I would like my fans to take heed and follow suit.” Now entering his fourth season, Marshall will be eligible to return to the Broncos on Sept. 5, in time for the season opener in Cincinnati against the Bengals. –lenn durant
