Colts’ WR Isaiah McKenzie shuts down suspension rumors denying allegations of killing bald eagle

The 2023 NFL season has brought an exhilarating showdown within the AFC South, as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans find themselves in a thrilling deadlock with identical 9-7 records through Week 18. Among these contenders, the Colts stand out, battling not only for divisional supremacy but also eyeing the AFC’s final wild-card berth.

The Colts recent win over the Las Vegas Raiders has once again bolstered their playoff aspirations ahead of the NFL season finale. However, amid the football fervor, an unexpected off-field incident involving their wide receiver, Isaiah McKenzie, has made waves. McKenzie, previously suspended from the team, found himself in the spotlight after refuting allegations of involvement in the killing of a bald eagle.

McKenzie dispels bald eagle killing suspension rumors

Isaiah McKenzie found himself entangled in an odd controversy after being suspended. The suspension sparked a peculiar rumor alleging his involvement in the hunting of a bald eagle. The 28-year-old swiftly took to social media to debunk the outlandish claim and clarify the situation on Monday.

In his post on X, the WR directly addressed the swirling speculation, writing, “First things first I did not kill a bald eagle. That story is false.” This straightforward denial sought to dispel the baseless rumor that had gained traction among certain corners of the internet, especially on X and Reddit.

While specifics surrounding Isaoah McKenzie’s suspension remained undisclosed, the bald eagle hunting allegation proved to be a product of unfounded conjecture. However, had the allegation held any truth, the receiver would have faced severe legal repercussions, including hefty $100,000 fine and potential one-year imprisonment, given the stringent laws protecting bald eagles, as per The Spun.

The veteran’s impact on the Colts squad extended beyond mere statistics, with 11 catches for 82 yards showcasing only a fraction of his versatility. As the primary returner for the team, he showcased his knack for punt returns, averaging 8.9 yards over 23 attempts and 25.3 yards on six kick returns.

Why was Isaiah McKenzie actually suspended for?

The Colts earlier placed Isaiah McKenzie, along with his fellow teammate, cornerback Tony Brown, on the reserve/suspended list for three games for “conduct detrimental to the team”. The phrase ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ is a broad umbrella term used to highlight actions that adversely impact the league, its members, or the sport’s public image.

The absence of transparency from the organization regarding the exact nature of their actions has sparked rampant speculation, as fans and analysts have been left to ponder what could have led to such drastic measures.

McKenzie and Tony Brown have undeniably contributed significantly throughout the season. Their sudden suspension, covering the remaining three regular-season games, has left a void that rookie WR Josh Downs is expected to fill.

While both players were healthy during the crucial Week 15 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they were mysteriously inactive. The financial repercussions of this suspension are not negligible either, with both players set to lose $190,588 in salary.