Denver Broncos send home practice squad player

Broncos practice squad safety Ryan Murphy was sent home to Denver by the team after he was detained during a prostitution sting Tuesday afternoon at a motel in San Jose, Calif.

San Jose television station KPIX 5 reported Murphy was questioned by Santa Clara County deputies and later released when police determined he had not solicited a prostitute.

Murphy's brother and a suspected prostitute received citations in the operation that occurred in a motel parking lot.

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak released a statement Tuesday evening: "Although practice squad safety Ryan Murphy was not cited by police, we decided it was best for the team if we continued our preparations for Super Bowl 50 without him. Ryan is returning to Denver but his status as a practice squad player has not changed at this time."

Murphy grew up in Oakland, Calif., and played at Oregon State. He was signed to the Broncos' practice squad in November.

Broncos players were off Tuesday as they prepare for Sunday's Super Bowl.

Broncos practice squad players traveled with the team and are scheduled to serve as scout-team players during three practices starting Wednesday.

Murphy has never played in an NFL game.