New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson cannot seem to stay out of trouble. He was recently suspended for the first 4 games of the 2015 NFL season after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He reportedly tested positive for marijuana. Thursday, July 30, he was charged with resisting arrest and other traffic violations in Missouri from a high-speed road race on July 14th. Richardson was reportedly clocked by police as going 143 mph in a highway. Police attempted to pull him over but he sped away through a traffic light. They arrested him later when he pulled into a driveway. Richardson can spend up to a year in jail and/or pay a $1,000 fine.
According to Pro Football Rumors, police say that there was a "strong odor" of marijuana in his car when they arrested him. They also found a fully-loaded gun in his car, which was also carrying a 12-year old and two adult males. Richardson will most likely be suspended for this incident but it is unknown whether the NFL will tack it on to his 4-game suspension this season or suspend him next season.
This is awful news for the New York Jets. Richardson is one of the top five 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL and is still young at just 24 years old. Rookie first-round pick Leonard Williams will look to fill his role as he serves his suspension. Richardson can make a lot of money, but he needs to avoid getting into trouble. He is a rising superstar in this league, but he needs to be careful or else he may end up like Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon. Veteran Darrelle Revis reportedly lectured him after his suspension. Richardson recently tweeted, "I vow to you, this will not happen again. My team will continue to push forward without me to start the season." Jets fans are hoping he can keep his word. The good news is that fellow defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is also a top ten 3-4 defensive end and rookie Leonard Williams was considered by many, including this writer, to be the best player in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Jets do have other viable options, but they would hope to have Richardson as well.