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Colts QB Richardson Charged with Marijuana Possession After Traffic Stop
· Confirmed
In Short: Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Anthony Richardson was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana.
Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Anthony Richardson was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana, on October 12, according to court records obtained by ESPN and other outlets.
Police pulled over Richardson's vehicle over an issue with the car's registration. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers reportedly smelled marijuana and found a small mason jar containing a substance believed to be marijuana and an opened bag of THC-infused gummies in the glove compartment.
Richardson, who was driving a 2023 Dodge Charger, admitted to smoking marijuana in the car to avoid smoking around his children. The substances seized from the vehicle tested positive for THC, according to court documents.
The Colts quarterback received a citation for an expired registration and agreed to appear in court on January 4, 2027, for a bench trial. He faces a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession, which could result in a suspension without pay of up to four games under the NFL's Policy and Program on Substance Abuse.
The incident occurred during a challenging period for Richardson, who was beaten out for the starting job by Daniel Jones in training camp and has made only two requests to be traded since suffering a fractured orbital bone in a locker room accident.
Richardson's situation has drawn attention to the Colts' decision-making, particularly the choice to draft him with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft despite his lack of experience. The team recently fired longtime general manager Chris Ballard, who was responsible for drafting Richardson.
In a statement, the Colts said they were aware of the situation and were gathering additional information. Richardson expressed his disappointment with the change and his desire to prove Ballard's decision to draft him was correct.
The team is currently on the road, facing the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars before a home game against the Dallas Cowboys.
What this adds
The incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding Richardson's career trajectory and the Colts' management decisions. It also highlights the potential consequences for players who violate the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Background
Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Anthony Richardson was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a traffic stop.
What's confirmed
- In a charge officially filed on October 19, Richardson faces a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession, FOX59/CBS4 reports.
- Richardson is scheduled for a bench trial on January 4, 2027.
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been charged with having marijuana in his possession by police in Carmel, Indiana.
- Richardson says he chose to smoke in his car to avoid smoking near his children.
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. was hit with a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession earlier this month, according to court records obtained by ESPN.
- "We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information," the Colts said in a statement.
- Officers stated they found a small amount of marijuana and 500-milligram THC-infused gummies in the glove compartment.
- The affidavit from the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office said a police officer stopped Richardson on Oct. 12 because the car he was driving had an expired registration tag.
- Richardson, who was drafted by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, is facing a criminal misdemeanor charge of possession following a traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana, on Oct. 12, court records show.
- "I'm trying to do my part and not make him feel like he made the wrong decision. So I'm just trying to keep getting better every week and am waiting on my opportunity."
What's still developing
- The former Florida Gator admitted that he had and also confessed to the presence of a small amount of marijuana still in the vehicle.
- According to an affidavit provided to ESPN by the Hamilton County prosecutor's office, Richardson was pulled over by a Carmel patrol officer on Oct. 12 over questions about his car's registration.
- If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
- When the former Florida standout stopped his Dodge Charger, the officer detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to the officer’s statement in an affidavit obtained by ESPN.
- The Colts extended Daniel Jones on a two-year, $88MM deal in March, keeping him in place as their starter.
- The officer wrote that when he approached the vehicle, he smelled marijuana.
- According to the affidavit, Richardson acknowledged he had been smoking marijuana inside the car because he did not want to smoke it around his children.