Ryan Murphy, Denver Broncos rookie, sent home after being detained during prostitution sting

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Denver Broncos rookie safety Ryan Murphy and his brother were detained and questioned Tuesday evening as part of a prostitution sting at a motel in San Jose, according to multiple reports.

Murphy eventually was released and was not charged in the incident, but the Broncos have sent Murphy home.

"Although practice squad safety Ryan Murphy was not cited by police, we decided it was best for the team if we continued our preparations for Super Bowl 50 without him," the team said in a statement. "Ryan is returning to Denver but his status as a practice squad player has not changed at this time."

The San Jose Mercury News reported that the sting involved Murphy's brother and was conducted by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. The paper, citing sources, said the pair was questioned by sheriff's deputies at a Motel 6 in north San Jose. Murphy's brother was cited for solicitation.

Police tracked a woman from the Motel 6 to a car that was waiting in a nearby parking lot. A witness said police surrounded a Ford Fusion and another source told ABC7 News Murphy and his brother were seated inside that car.

The woman was cited for prostitution.

Murphy left the scene and another man from Oakland, who claimed to be related to Murphy, stayed with the car.

Several prostitution stings have taken place because of the Super Bowl in the past week. Ten men have been cited.

Murphy, 23, is originally from Oakland and attended Oakland Technical High School.

READ MORE: Super Bowl 50: Complete coverage, stories and videos

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak says he's disappointed he had to send Murphy home.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Sgt. James Jensen said investigators determined he was not involved in any criminal activities.

"Yeah, there's disappointment, but it's been dealt with and we've moved on," Kubiak said Wednesday. "I dealt with it yesterday and obviously disappointed for the young man, but we're focused on what we have to do football wise, we're on work this morning with our meetings and getting into our routine. So we've moved on."

Murphy is a 6-foot, 214-pound rookie who was a seventh-round pick by Seattle out of Oregon State last spring. Released by the Seahawks at the end of training camp, he joined the Broncos' practice squad in November.

"Everybody has to be accountable but it's definitely unfortunate that he had to go home and miss the experience. He's a really good kid," linebacker Brandon Marshall said. "I wanted him to experience the whole week and go to the game. It's unfortunate."

The Broncos are staying at the Santa Clara Marriott, near Levi's Stadium, site of Super Bowl 50 and about four miles from the location where Murphy, who is originally from Oakland, was questioned.

ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this story.