Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faces a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession in Indiana following a suburban traffic stop earlier this month, according to court records.
Police in Carmel, Indiana, pulled over Richardson on Oct. 12 for driving a Dodge Charger with an expired registration tag that was assigned to another vehicle, according to court documents obtained by Fox 59 and People. During the stop, officers reported detecting the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
According to an affidavit obtained by ESPN, the 24-year-old quarterback admitted to police that he had smoked marijuana inside the car, explaining that he did so to avoid using the drug in front of his children at home. Investigators said a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a jar containing marijuana along with 500-milligram THC-infused gummies located in the glove compartment.
Richardson was not booked into jail at the scene. Instead, officers issued him a traffic citation for the expired registration along with a summons for marijuana possession, allowing him to leave, according to reporting by The Gainesville Sun and People. Prosecutors formally filed the misdemeanor possession charge on Monday, Oct. 19.
Colts Reviewing the Matter
The Colts organization acknowledged the legal issue in a statement released to media outlets on Friday.
“We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time,” the team said.
Richardson has continued participating in team activities and practiced this week, according to Colts Wire. He served as the active backup quarterback during the team’s game last Sunday, Oct. 18, when Indianapolis fell to 2-4 on the season after a defeat against the Tennessee Titans. The franchise dismissed general manager Chris Ballard the following day, People reported.
Contract and Roster Status
Selected fourth overall by Indianapolis in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Richardson started for the Gators in 2022, throwing for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding nine rushing scores. His NFL path has faced disruptions since arriving in Indianapolis.
Richardson has yet to take the field during a regular-season game this year, serving behind starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who returned following a torn Achilles tendon suffered last December, according to People. In April, the Colts declined the fifth-year team option on Richardson’s rookie contract, which positions him to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 campaign, The Gainesville Sun reported.
Court records indicate that a bench trial regarding the misdemeanor possession charge has been set for Jan. 4, with People reporting the trial date as Jan. 4, 2027. It remains unclear whether Richardson will face discipline from the NFL under the league’s personal conduct policy as the legal process moves forward.
