KUSA — The Pat Bowlen Trust and Denver Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis released statements on Thursday in response to the press release issued Thursday by Beth Bowlen Wallace.
Statement from the Pat Bowlen Family Trust:
“The statements issued by Beth Bowlen Wallace today are contrary to Pat Bowlen’s long-standing succession plan that he created over many years of careful consideration.
“Pat was determined to ensure the Broncos would remain a premier franchise in the National Football League in the event of his absence. He chose to sustain the team’s success in that eventuality by appointing three non-family trustees to determine whether any of his children had become qualified at some point to step into his shoes.
“Pat did not designate Beth as a trustee or appoint her to a leadership position, nor did he instruct the trustees to specifically mentor her. He made it clear that his children were not automatically entitled to a role with the team and that they would have to earn that opportunity through their accomplishments, qualifications and character.
“As trustees honoring the clear wishes of Pat, we have thoroughly evaluated whether Beth is capable of succeeding her father as controlling owner. We have determined that she is not capable or qualified at this time.
“We have communicated our decision to Beth and her lawyers on multiple occasions. She is also fully informed as to why her employment with the team ended in 2015.
“Although Beth has declined our invitations to discuss her qualifications for the last two years, we will continue to proactively engage and meet with any of the Bowlen children who express a desire to earn the right to succeed their father.
“As trustees, we will continue to honor Pat’s long-standing plan to determine the Broncos’ future ownership and any potential appointment of his children to leadership positions within the organization. Our decisions will always be guided by what will ensure the long-term success and stability of the Broncos while also doing what’s best for our community, our fans and the NFL.
“Consistent with Pat’s long-standing succession plan, our decisions are not to be dictated by the short-term or personal interests of any individual. We will vigorously defend Pat’s plan in responding to these and any statements that are contrary to Pat’s words and intentions.”
Statement from the Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis:
“As a trustee and someone Pat designated to oversee his team, I have an enormous responsibility to carefully administer his succession plan and make decisions in the best interests of the Broncos. We will continue to follow Pat’s blueprint—and nobody else’s—while keeping our focus as an organization on having a successful season.”
RELATED | Pat Bowlen Trust fires back at Bowlen Wallace: She presently 'is not capable or qualified'
Statement from Pat Bowlen's brother Bill Bowlen:
“As Pat’s brother, I fully support my niece’s bid to become the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos. She is fully capable and qualified to run and manage the Broncos as she has met all the requirements established to lead the team.
“I’m Pat’s bother and a previous owner, and I am thrilled that Beth wants the leadership of this franchise. I also believe there is very strong support from the fans and the city of Denver for Beth to be the new controlling owner.
“My brother’s wish was for one of his children run the Broncos. Beth is in the best position of all the children to take over now. She has a plan; take over as the managing owner now and in the future allow the other to mature, learn and grow into a position with the team. Keep this team in the family and one of the primary franchises in the league.”
Statement from Kerry and John Bowlen, Minority Owners, Denver Broncos:
"We fully support Beth Bowlen Wallace to become the controlling owner of the Denver Broncos. Beth has worked extremely hard to meet the criteria established for the children of Pat Bowlen to be qualified to run and manage the organization."
"As minority owners of the team, we would be proud and thrilled to have her as the leader of this franchise. There is strong support as well from fans who favor her bid for controlling ownership."
"Pat Bowlen’s wish and his legacy was to have one of his children run this team. That is what he always wanted. Beth is the best positioned of all the children to take over now. Her plan is just right--to take over as managing owner now and in the future allow the other children to mature, learn and grow into the position, keeping this team in her family and in Denver, where the Broncos belong."
