Jets’ Sheldon Richardson Arrested

6:28pm: The Jets were not made of Richardson’s arrest until media reports surfaced, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets.

Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) spoke with three different sources from rival teams that think Richardson will never play another NFL down after his arrest.

5:41pm: Sheldon Richardson was charged Thursday with resisting arrest and traffic violations after a July 14th incident in Missouri, Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets. Richardson was clocked going 143 mph and had a gun in the vehicle (Twitter links).

Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday (on Twitter) passes along a copy of the police report which indicates that the gun was fully loaded. Richardson tried to avoid police apprehension and there was a “very strong odor of marijuana” in the car, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets. There were two adult males in the car with Richardson at the time as well as a 12-year-old.

Of course, this incident does not bode well for Richardson’s NFL future as it comes just two weeks after he was suspended for marijuana use. Richardson, 24, had been expected to start on the Jets’ defensive line alongside nose tackle Damon Harrison and standout defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson prior to the suspension. With this incident thrown into the mix, there’s no telling when Richardson might return to Gang Green.

Richardson’s absence will probably open the door for sixth overall pick Leonard Williams to step into the starting lineup and the Jets certainly hope that he’s ready to hit the ground running. Richardson’s suspension and latest off-the-field issue could also provide Wilkerson some additional leverage in his extension talks with the Jets.

View Comments (28)