BRONCOS: Kircus stays with team after passing lie detector test

ENGLEWOOD - Denver Broncos receiver David Kircus might have saved his career with the team by passing a lie detector test last week.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said that Kircus, who has been charged with second-degree assault after punching a man in the early hours May 20, told him he was defending himself. Kircus attended a party and was asked to leave repeatedly by the homeowner. The argument continued outside, and a police report said Kircus punched the man and left.

“David came to me and said ‘Coach, I guarantee you I didn’t take the first swing, I defended myself,’” Shanahan said. “'I probably used poor judgment being at the wrong place at the wrong time,’ and I said ‘Well, David, I’ll give you a chance to take a lie detector test.'”

Shanahan said the test was conducted Friday by a professional, and Kircus was asked various ways whether he threw the first punch and if he defended himself. Shanahan said Kircus said he was defending himself and passed the lie detector test at 100 percent.

“He passed with flying colors, so he will be on our football team,” Shanahan said.

Kircus had no comment after a minicamp practice Tuesday. Shanahan said last week that if Kircus were in the wrong he would be released. Shanahan reiterated that stance.

“If he flunked the test he wouldn’t be with us,” Shanahan said. “He wanted to take the test. He said ‘Coach, if I flunk it I won’t be on this football team.’

“Anybody that wants to take a lie detector test and his career is based on if it comes out positive or negative, I got a good feeling he defended himself.”

Kircus is due in court on July 12 for a preliminary hearing in the case.

See more in Wednesday's Gazette.