Richardson Faces Misdemeanor Marijuana Charge After Carmel Traffic Stop
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faces a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge, with a bench trial set for January 4, 2027.
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Anthony Richardson Marijuana Possession Case
On October 12, 2026, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was stopped by police in Carmel, Indiana, over an expired registration and a mismatched license plate. A search recovered a substance believed to be marijuana and THC-infused gummies. Richardson received a citation and a summons. On October 19, the Hamilton County prosecutor's office filed a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. A bench trial is scheduled for January 4, 2027. The Colts and Richardson's attorney have declined further comment.
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2026-10-24 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Oct, 00:23 UTC
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What happened
Richardson acknowledges smoking marijuana in his car to avoid smoking near his children
Anthony Richardson acknowledged to the officer that he had smoked marijuana inside the vehicle. He said he chose to do so to avoid smoking near his children, and he confirmed that a small amount of marijuana remained in the vehicle.
Colts fire general manager Chris Ballard earlier in the week of the charge
The Indianapolis Colts fired longtime general manager Chris Ballard earlier in the week the marijuana possession charge was filed. Ballard was running the team when Anthony Richardson was drafted in 2023.
Bench trial in Richardson's marijuana possession case scheduled for January 4, 2027
A bench trial in the misdemeanor marijuana possession case against Anthony Richardson is scheduled for January 4, 2027.
Carmel police stop Richardson's vehicle over expired registration
Carmel police officers stopped a black 2023 Dodge Charger driven by Anthony Richardson on October 12, 2026. The stop was made because the vehicle's registration had expired and the license plate did not match the registration.
Colts state they are gathering information and will make no further comment
The Indianapolis Colts issued a statement saying they are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are gathering additional information. The team said it will have no further comment at this time.
Richardson released without arrest and issued citation and court summons
Anthony Richardson was not arrested. He received a citation for the expired vehicle registration and a summons to appear in court on the marijuana possession charge.
Officers search vehicle and seize suspected marijuana and THC-infused gummies
Officers handcuffed Anthony Richardson briefly while searching the vehicle. The search recovered a small mason jar containing a substance believed to be marijuana and THC-infused gummies, which police seized.
Officer detects odor of marijuana when approaching Richardson's vehicle
The officer detected the odor of marijuana when approaching the stopped vehicle driven by Anthony Richardson. The officer then questioned Richardson about marijuana use in the vehicle.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. The Hamilton County prosecutor's office filed the charge on October 19, 2026, following an October 12, 2026 traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana.
Richardson's attorney declines to comment on the marijuana possession case
James Voyles, Anthony Richardson's attorney, declined to comment on the marijuana possession case.
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