Antonio Smith child abuse allegation is ‘sexual in nature’

On Thursday, we learned that Denver Broncos defensive end Antonio Smith is being investigated for alleged child abuse. The local sheriff from the town where the complaint was filed later provided more detail.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls told The Associated Press that the complaint was made in November and that it is “sexual in nature.”

While the accusation is obviously incredibly serious, it should be noted that no charges have been filed against Smith. The Broncos, who signed Smith to a one-year contract last month, said they are still learning more about the case.

“Last night, we became aware for the first time of an allegation involving Antonio Smith,” the Broncos said in a statement on Thursday. “We are now in the process of gathering more information.”

The NFL’s revamped policy on domestic violence calls for a minimum of an automatic six-game suspension for all acts of domestic abuse, which includes child abuse. The league could place Smith on the Commissioner’s Exempt List while the investigation is ongoing.