Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is facing a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge following a traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana, earlier this month, according to court records. The case adds another off-field issue for the former first-round NFL Draft pick as he continues to serve as the backup quarterback behind Daniel Jones.
The charge was filed on October 19, 2026, after police stopped Richardson on October 12. According to reports from USA TODAY Sports and Cleveland.com, the incident involved a vehicle registration issue and the discovery of suspected marijuana and THC-infused gummies during a subsequent vehicle search.
Why Is Anthony Richardson Sr. Facing a Criminal Charge?
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by multiple media outlets, police pulled over Anthony Richardson Sr. while he was driving a Dodge Charger in Carmel, Indiana, because of an issue with the vehicle’s registration.
The officer reportedly smelled marijuana after approaching the vehicle. The affidavit states that Richardson told the officer he had smoked marijuana inside the car because he did not want to smoke around his children. He also reportedly acknowledged having a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle.
During a search, police found a Mason jar containing green, leafy material suspected to be marijuana and an unopened bag of THC-infused gummies, according to the affidavit.
Richardson was temporarily detained in handcuffs while officers searched the vehicle. However, reports indicate that he was not arrested at the scene. He received a citation related to the vehicle’s registration and a court summons for the alleged marijuana possession.
The charge is a Class B misdemeanor under Indiana law. The allegations have not been established as a conviction, and the case remains subject to the court process.
Anthony Richardson’s Court Case: What Happens Next?
Court records indicate that the case was filed by the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office on October 19. Additional documents, including a court summons and probable cause affidavit, were filed on October 20.
Richardson’s attorney, James Voyles, subsequently filed a motion to waive the initial hearing. The motion was granted on October 23, according to the reported court records.
A bench trial is scheduled for January 4, 2027. At a bench trial, a judge decides the case rather than a jury.
The outcome will determine how the case proceeds. Until then, Richardson faces an unresolved misdemeanor charge, and any discussion of potential penalties must be distinguished from an actual sentence or conviction.
What Penalties Could Anthony Richardson Face?
Indiana law classifies first-offense marijuana possession as a Class B misdemeanor under the circumstances described in the reports. A conviction can carry a maximum penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
These are potential statutory penalties, not a prediction of the outcome in Richardson’s case.
The situation could also draw attention to the NFL’s substance-related policies. League rules may allow disciplinary action in certain circumstances involving violations of the law related to marijuana possession or use.
However, any potential NFL discipline would depend on the applicable policy, the facts established in the case and the league’s review. No suspension should be treated as confirmed based solely on the filing of the charge.
Indianapolis Colts Respond to the Situation
The Indianapolis Colts confirmed they were aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson Sr. and were gathering additional information.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, the team said it was aware of the matter and would have no further comment at that time.
The organization has not announced any disciplinary action related to the case in the information provided.
The incident creates another off-field storyline for the Colts quarterback, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson entered the league with considerable expectations because of his athleticism, arm strength and potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
Anthony Richardson’s Role With the Colts
Richardson has been serving as a backup to Daniel Jones for a second consecutive season, according to the reports. He has not appeared in a game during the 2026 season.
His recent NFL journey has included challenges with injuries and competition for playing time. Richardson spent much of the previous season on injured reserve after an exercise-band accident in October 2025 resulted in a fractured orbital bone.
He later worked to return to action and competed with Riley Leonard for the Colts’ backup quarterback position during training camp in 2026. Richardson ultimately secured the backup role, according to USA TODAY Sports.
His current situation places additional attention on his future with Indianapolis, although the pending charge does not by itself establish that his roster position will change.
What the Anthony Richardson Sr. Case Means for His NFL Future
The case presents both a legal matter and a potential concern for the Colts as they evaluate their quarterback depth. The immediate focus is on the court proceedings scheduled for January 4, 2027, along with any developments from the team or the NFL.
For now, the Colts have acknowledged the situation but have not provided further public details. The available reports also do not establish that the league has imposed a suspension or that the team has made a roster decision because of the charge.
Richardson’s status as a backup quarterback means his playing opportunities are already limited, making any additional developments important to monitor. Nevertheless, his football future will depend on several factors, including his performance, health, the team’s plans and the resolution of the legal case.
Conclusion
Anthony Richardson Sr. is facing a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge stemming from an October 12 traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana. Police reportedly found suspected marijuana and THC gummies in his vehicle, and the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office filed the charge on October 19.
Richardson was not arrested at the scene, according to published reports, but he received a court summons. His bench trial is scheduled for January 4, 2027.
The Indianapolis Colts have confirmed they are gathering information and have declined further comment. As the legal process continues, Richardson’s case remains unresolved, and any potential legal or NFL consequences will depend on subsequent developments.
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