Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson Faces Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession Charge

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is facing a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession following a traffic stop earlier this month in suburban Indianapolis. The Class B misdemeanor charge was formally filed against the second-year passer on October 19 in Hamilton County, according to online court filings and records released by the local prosecutor's office. Richardson was not taken into custody at the scene but received a summons and citation related to the incident.

The charge stems from an encounter on October 12 in Carmel, Indiana, where an officer stopped Richardson's black Dodge Charger near Springmill Boulevard and Silver Stream Drive. Police initiated the stop after observing that the vehicle's license plate did not correspond with its registration data and that the registration was expired. Upon approaching the driver's side of the car, the officer reported detecting the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle.

Following the initial conversation, the officer instructed Richardson to step out of the car and placed him in handcuffs while conducting a search. Law enforcement personnel subsequently located roughly five grams of suspected marijuana stored inside a small Mason jar, along with a package of 500-milligram THC-infused gummies in the glove compartment. According to the probable cause affidavit, Richardson cooperated with officers and admitted to smoking marijuana inside the vehicle to avoid doing so around his children at home.

Officers confiscated the suspected narcotics and issued Richardson a traffic citation for driving with an expired vehicle registration before releasing him from the scene. Because he was not formally arrested during the roadside stop, no booking photograph was taken by local authorities. The Hamilton County prosecutor's office subsequently reviewed the police report and filed the Class B misdemeanor possession charge a week later.

Online judicial records indicate that Richardson has already waived his right to an initial hearing in Hamilton County court. A bench trial has been scheduled to address the misdemeanor allegation, which carries potential penalties under Indiana state law that could include probation, fines, or limited jail time. Neither Richardson's legal representatives nor the Colts organization have issued comprehensive public statements detailing their legal strategy regarding the pending charge.

The legal matter emerges against the backdrop of the NFL's collectively bargained substance-abuse policies, which underwent significant revisions under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement. While the league substantially raised the threshold for positive THC tests and eliminated suspensions strictly for marijuana testing, players remain subject to review under the personal conduct policy when formal criminal charges are filed. The league routinely monitors active legal proceedings before determining whether additional administrative or disciplinary reviews are warranted.

Richardson, selected fourth overall by Indianapolis in the 2023 NFL Draft, has experienced an eventful and injury-interrupted start to his professional career with the franchise. The 22-year-old dual-threat quarterback entered the current campaign looking to establish stability and consistency after missing significant stretches of his rookie year due to shoulder surgery. The emerging off-field distraction arrives at a pivotal juncture in the Colts' regular-season schedule as the team navigates competitive AFC playoff positioning.

Indianapolis team officials have maintained an awareness of the situation as the legal process moves through county courts. Head coach Shane Steichen and the front office have consistently emphasized player accountability and focus while managing roster availability throughout a demanding calendar. Any potential fallout, whether from league inquiries or legal resolutions, will be closely watched by observers monitoring the young signal-caller's development and locker room leadership.

Moving forward, Richardson is expected to continue participating with the team as his legal counsel navigates the Hamilton County court docket. The outcome of the upcoming bench trial or any potential diversionary resolution will ultimately dictate whether the matter is resolved without an ongoing criminal mark. For now, both the Colts and the league office appear content to allow the local justice system to run its course before taking any formal determinations.