Anthony Richardson’s off-field problems arrived in the middle of a season he was never going to lead. The former top-five draft pick, now backing up Daniel Jones in Indianapolis, was formally charged on October 19 with a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession in Indiana.
A Carmel patrol officer had pulled Richardson over a week earlier, on October 12, over a plate that was registered to a different vehicle. The officer wrote in the probable cause affidavit that he smelled marijuana as he approached the car.
Richardson, according to the affidavit, told the officer he had smoked in the vehicle because he did not want to do so at home around his children. A search of the car produced a mason jar containing marijuana and an opened bag of THC-infused gummies, both of which tested positive for THC.
He was not arrested at the scene. The officer issued a citation for the expired registration, and Richardson agreed to appear in Carmel City Court. The initial hearing was waived, and a bench trial has been scheduled for January 4, 2027.
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Colts: ‘gathering additional information’
Indianapolis released a short statement after the charge was filed.
“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 in a statement reported by NBC Sports.
The NFL has not announced any discipline.
A franchise plan already on hold
Richardson was taken fourth overall by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft and arrived in Indianapolis as the long-term answer at quarterback. Injuries, inconsistency and a 2024 benching have steadily eroded that plan.
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The Colts signed Daniel Jones in the offseason, and head coach Shane Steichen has confirmed Jones will remain the starter when Indianapolis travels to the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. Richardson, who turned 24 in May, has thrown for 2,400 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 15 career starts.
Richardson’s bench trial on January 4 falls six days before the Colts close their regular season on January 10, 2027.
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