Former Mizzou star and New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson is scheduled for a court appearance Monday in St. Charles County, where he was charged with five misdemeanor counts, including resisting arrest. Richardson, who is just returning to the field after an NFL drug suspension, pled not guilty to all charges.
The 24-year-old was arrested July 14 after a chase began on Interstate 64, where police say he was involved in a road race, driving his 2014 Bentley over 140 mph. When police pulled him over in a driveway of a personal residence in O’Fallon, they found a loaded handgun under a floor mat, and detected a ”very strong odor of burned marijuana,” according to a probable cause statement. No charges are brought with the handgun, because Richardson was in legal possession of the gun.
A conviction for resisting arrest is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Richardson completed a four-game suspension for using marijuana. That suspension came 12 days before his arrest, which could also mean more discipline from the NFL, since it violates the personal conduct policy, but the Jets have not received any word back from the league.
Richardson was the 13th overall pick in 2013 and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year that season. He played in the Pro Bowl last season.