Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr. Charged With Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession

by USports EditorsOctober 23, 2026, 7:03 pm >

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is facing a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge following a traffic stop earlier this month in Carmel, Indiana, according to court records.

The Class B misdemeanor charge was filed Monday, Oct. 19, and stems from an Oct. 12 stop.

According to an affidavit from the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office, an officer pulled Richardson over because the car he was driving had an expired registration tag, and the license plate did not match the one listed on the registration.

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The officer wrote that he smelled marijuana as he approached the vehicle. Richardson allegedly told the officer that he had smoked marijuana inside the car so he would not smoke around his children at home, and acknowledged that he had a small amount in the vehicle.

During a search, the officer found what he believed to be marijuana and a bag of THC-infused gummies inside a small Mason jar in the glove compartment. Both items later tested positive for THC.

Richardson was not arrested and was allowed to leave. Officers issued him a citation for the expired registration and a summons for possession. He has not been convicted of any offense.

Court records show a bench trial is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2027, in Carmel City Court.

The Colts said in a statement that they were aware of the situation and gathering more information. Head coach Shane Steichen referred to the statement Friday, saying the team would keep the matter in-house and that Richardson remains the backup quarterback.

Richardson’s attorney, James Voyles, declined to comment. His agent, Deiric Jackson, told The Athletic that Richardson “takes this matter very seriously and respects the legal process,” adding that he remains focused on his family and his future.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the incident. Under the NFL’s substance abuse policy, players can face discipline if they are convicted of, or admit to, violating laws involving the use or possession of substances of abuse other than alcohol.

The charge is the latest setback for the 24-year-old, whom the Colts selected fourth overall out of Florida in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson was the opening-day starter in each of his first two seasons, but injuries and inconsistent play derailed his development, and he lost the starting job to Daniel Jones in 2025.

In February, the team gave Richardson permission to seek a trade, after both sides agreed it was time to find him a fresh start. No deal materialized, and Richardson beat out Riley Leonard for the backup job this summer. He has not appeared in a game this season and is in the final year of his rookie contract.

The news adds to a turbulent stretch for the 2-4 Colts, who fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday. The team also dealt with wide receiver Keenan Allen‘s drunk-driving arrest in August. The Colts face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.