Denver Broncos S T.J. Ward suspended for opener

Denver Broncos Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward will sit out the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13.

The NFL announced Thursday that Ward received a one-game suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy.

The suspension stems from a May 2014 incident at a strip club that occurred shortly after Ward signed a four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Broncos last year. Ward faced misdemeanor charges that were later dropped.

"I take full responsibility for the incident that occurred in May 2014 and am willing to accept the consequences of my actions by serving my one-game suspension," Ward said in a statement released by the Broncos. "Although I was never arrested and all charges against me were ultimately dismissed, I have no one to blame but myself for being in the predicament that evening.

"To the Denver Broncos organization, the Bowlen family and to the Denver Bronco fans, I want to apologize for my conduct. I have learned from my mistakes and will continue to be a pillar in the community to make myself a stronger person and player for the Denver Broncos."

In Ward's first season with the Broncos in 2014, he finished second on the team in tackles with 74 and was named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career. He spent the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns.

The 28-year-old Ward joins Denver defensive end Derek Wolfe on the suspension list; Wolfe was suspended four games for a violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Ward will be eligible to return to the active roster on Sept. 14 after the Broncos' season opener against the Ravens a day earlier.