Sanders avoids charge in Texas

Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders won’t be prosecuted for felony sexual assault after a grand jury in Texas determined there wasn’t enough evidence after an investigation to prove his guilt.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Sanders was accused of sexual assault in Harris County, Texas, though it’s unclear when the alleged assault happened. The case, a second-degree felony according to TMZ, was sent to a grand jury Jan. 9, which “failed to find a bill of indictment.”

“The Harris County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding Emmanuel Sanders on June 15, 2017,” the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The complaint was thoroughly investigated and all involved parties, including Mr. Sanders, were interviewed by investigators. Upon completion of the investigation, evidence and witness statements were presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether a criminal charge should be filed. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office presented the case to a grand jury, which determined on January 9, 2018, that there was insufficient evidence to support a criminal charge.”

In a statement released Thursday morning, the Broncos said they “are aware of the media report involving Emmanuel Sanders and are looking into it.”

According to an NFL source, Sanders spoke with members of the Broncos at length on Thursday and denied any wrongdoing. He also told them that he cooperated fully with the investigation in Texas.

Though he wasn’t charged, Sanders could face punishment from the NFL if it determines that he violated its personalconduct policy.

The eight-year pro signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension before the start of the 2016 season. He has two years remaining on the contract, with salary cap hits of about $11 million and $13 million.

Last season, Sanders missed four games because of an ankle injury, but he finished second on the team with 47 catches and 555 receiving yards.