Key Highlights
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is facing a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession following an October 12 traffic stop in Indiana.
- Officers reported finding a small Mason jar of suspected marijuana and an opened bag of THC-infused gummies after pulling over Richardson’s Dodge Charger for expired registration.
- Richardson, serving as Daniel Jones’ backup and yet to play this season in the final year of his rookie contract, is scheduled for a bench trial early next year.
Traffic Stop Details and Misdemeanor Possession Charge
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is facing legal scrutiny following a traffic stop on October 12 in Indiana that led to a misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana. The incident presents an additional hurdle during an already challenging phase in the professional trajectory of the former top draft selection.
According to court records, law enforcement officers initiated the traffic stop after observing a discrepancy with the license plate and an expired registration on a black 2023 Dodge Charger driven by Richardson. Upon walking up to the vehicle, officers detected the smell of marijuana. Reports indicate that Richardson told the responding officers that he had smoked marijuana inside his vehicle so he would not do so around his children at home. Furthermore, the quarterback reportedly acknowledged to police that a small amount of the substance was still inside the Dodge Charger.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a small Mason jar filled with a substance suspected to be marijuana, alongside an opened package of THC-infused gummies. Police confiscated the items and momentarily handcuffed Richardson during the inspection. Officers did not place him under formal arrest at the scene; instead, he was allowed to depart after receiving a citation for the expired vehicle registration and a court summons regarding the alleged possession. Richardson’s initial court date set for December 9 was subsequently canceled, and a bench trial has been scheduled to take place early next year.
Franchise Response and On-Field Setbacks
Following the public emergence of the court summons, the Indianapolis Colts organization issued a concise statement addressing the matter but refrained from expanding on disciplinary or internal actions while the legal process plays out.
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“We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information,”
the Colts said in a statement. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
The off-field incident unfolds as Richardson finds himself in a difficult spot within the Colts’ roster hierarchy. Currently in the final year of his rookie contract, Richardson has not appeared in a single game this season. Back in February, Richardson was granted permission to seek a trade, but discussions failed to produce a deal, keeping him in Indianapolis to serve as the backup behind quarterback Daniel Jones.
Draft Profile vs. Injury Struggles in Indianapolis
Richardson initially entered the NFL surrounded by massive expectations after Indianapolis selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The organization bet heavily on his elite athletic profile displayed at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the 6-foot-4, 244-pound passer clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds, completed a 40.5-inch vertical jump, and delivered a 10-foot-9 broad jump. Those measurements convinced the Colts to invest their prized draft asset in him, even though he had only made 13 collegiate starts.
Despite his raw physical ceiling, Richardson’s time on the field has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries. During his 2023 rookie campaign, he went 2-2 as the starting quarterback before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Entering 2024 with hopes of a resurgence, an oblique injury sidelined him in Week 4, followed by another setback in a Week 8 contest against the Houston Texans. With minimal playing opportunities this season and his rookie deal nearing its expiration, Richardson faces mounting questions regarding his long-term future in the NFL.
Why This Matters
This off-field legal matter adds substantial uncertainty to Anthony Richardson’s standing both in Indianapolis and across the NFL. With the quarterback set to reach the conclusion of his rookie deal without taking snaps this season, front offices evaluating his potential future value must weigh his durability history, limited game tape, and upcoming legal proceedings. As the Colts evaluate their quarterback room moving forward, Richardson’s scheduled bench trial early next year and his status as an impending free agent will serve as key factors in determining whether he receives another opportunity as an NFL starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Anthony Richardson arrested during the traffic stop?
No. While Richardson was briefly placed in handcuffs while law enforcement searched his 2023 Dodge Charger, he was not booked into jail. Officers allowed him to leave the scene after issuing a traffic citation for expired registration and a summons for the misdemeanor marijuana possession allegation.
When will Anthony Richardson appear in court?
His original court appearance scheduled for December 9 was canceled. Richardson is now slated to appear for a bench trial scheduled for early next year.
What is Anthony Richardson’s current contract status with the Indianapolis Colts?
Richardson is currently in the final year of his rookie contract with the Colts, serving as the backup quarterback to starter Daniel Jones, and has not logged playing time during the current season.
