Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faces a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession following an October traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana, according to public records and police affidavits. The Hamilton County prosecutor’s office filed the charge on Monday, Oct. 19, stemming from an incident that occurred a week earlier on Oct. 12.
Richardson, 24, was pulled over by law enforcement after an officer flagged an issue with the registration on the 2023 Dodge Charger he was driving, records show. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer reported detecting the odor of marijuana. According to the arrest affidavit, Richardson acknowledged smoking inside the car to keep it away from his children and informed the officer that a small amount of marijuana was inside.
Officers placed the quarterback in handcuffs while searching the vehicle. The search yielded a small Mason jar containing green leafy material and a bag of THC gummies from the glove compartment. Police did not take Richardson into custody at the scene, instead issuing him a citation for an expired registration and a court summons for possession.
“We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information,” the Colts said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
NEW: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. has been charged in Carmel for allegedly having marijuana in his possession. https://t.co/3p6ETPDS6s pic.twitter.com/3qE7jPyYzN
Legal Timelines and Court Proceedings in Hamilton County
State prosecutors filed the probable cause affidavit and court summons on Tuesday, Oct. 20, setting an initial hearing for Wednesday, Dec. 9. Defense attorney James Voyles filed a motion to waive that initial hearing on Thursday, Oct. 22, which the court granted the following day.
Court records show that a bench trial for the misdemeanor charge is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2027. Under Indiana law, possession of recreational marijuana is illegal. For a first offender, the offense constitutes a Class B misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine reaching $1,000 upon conviction.
NFL Substance Policy Implications for the Colts Backup
The league office monitors legal matters involving players under the NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. League guidelines dictate that players convicted of or admitting to a violation of law related to marijuana use or possession face potential discipline, including suspensions of up to four games for first-time offenders.
On the field, Richardson has spent the season serving as the backup quarterback to Daniel Jones. Selected fourth overall by Indianapolis in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Richardson missed significant time in his first two professional seasons due to injuries, including a fractured orbital bone in October 2025 and surgeries following shoulder and concussion issues in 2023. The franchise declined his fifth-year contract option in April, making him a free agent at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.
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