Heather Willard / NewsBreak Denver / June 6, 2023
(Highlands Ranch, Colo.) The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lance Ball, a former NFL running back, on June 5 for allegedly assaulting his fiancee for “disrespecting him in his own house,” according to an arrest affidavit.
Ball, 37, was arrested after deputies responded to his residence near Venneford Ranch Road and South University Boulevard in Highlands Ranch. He faces charges of second-degree assault, criminal mischief between $300-$1,000, obstruction of telephone service, and domestic violence. He was booked into the Douglas County Detention Center, posted bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on June 9.
According to an arrest affidavit detailing interviews with Ball and his fiancee, Traci Thompson, the ex-NFL player had been drinking and golfing before returning home. Thompson told investigators Ball threw and broke several items, including an incense holder, laptop, and other items from the living room table. She said Ball grabbed her arm and pulled her, so she tried to call 911 from her smartwatch.
Ball told investigators he threw the things because Thompson was “disrespecting him in his house,” according to the affidavit. He also said he took her smartwatch and threw it outside while saying he paid for it. According to the affidavit, Ball said he threw his cell phone at Thomspon “out of anger,” cutting the right side of her head.
Thompson told investigators Ball tried to choke her, which he denied, according to the affidavit. He told investigators he had “put his hand near her neck when he was pushing her but he was not trying to strangle her.”
According to the affidavit, Thompson fled the home, went to a neighbor’s house, and contacted 911. Thompson was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators additionally found that the couple’s 8-year-old son was upstairs during the argument but did not witness the incident.
Ball played for the Denver Broncos from 2009-12 and previously played for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams.
Comments / 10