Why did Colts QB Anthony Richardson tell police he smoked marijuana in his car before misdemeanor charge

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is facing a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge after an Oct. 12 traffic stop in Carmel, Ind. Police reportedly found marijuana and THC-infused gummies inside his vehicle, according to court documents.But Richardson's explanation to officers has drawn attention. The 24-year-old reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana inside his car because he wanted to avoid doing so around his children at home. He was allowed to leave without being arrested, although the encounter resulted in a criminal charge filed on Oct. 19.What did Anthony Richardson Sr. tell police during the marijuana possession incident?Richardson was driving a black 2023 Dodge Charger when a Carmel police officer stopped him on Oct. 12. According to NFL insider Ari Meirov and FOX59/CBS4, which first reported the case, the vehicle's registration had expired and was assigned to another car.The officer reported smelling marijuana while approaching Richardson's vehicle. When questioned about the smell, Richardson allegedly acknowledged smoking marijuana inside the car and possessing a small amount.According to court documents cited by ESPN's Stephen Holder, Richardson explained that he had smoked inside the vehicle because he did not want to smoke marijuana at home around his children.Officers then instructed Richardson to step outside and detained him in handcuffs while searching the vehicle.The search reportedly uncovered a small mason jar containing suspected marijuana and an opened package of THC-infused gummies. ESPN reported that the gummies contained 500 milligrams of THC.According to FOX59/CBS4, subsequent testing returned positive results for THC. Police confiscated the substances.Richardson was not arrested or taken to jail. Officers issued a citation for the expired registration and a summons for marijuana possession before allowing him to leave.The Hamilton County prosecutor's office filed the misdemeanor charge on Monday, Oct. 19, one week after the traffic stop.The distinction matters. Although Richardson was temporarily handcuffed during the search, the reports indicate that officers released him at the scene.The Colts addressed the situation Friday after the charge became public."We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information," the team said in a statement reported by ESPN. "We will have no further comment at this time."Richardson has been charged, but he has not been convicted. The allegations will be addressed through the court process.What happens next for Anthony Richardson Sr. as his Colts contract approaches its end?Richardson's legal case has a scheduled court date. His future with Indianapolis, however, was already uncertain before the charge became public.According to FOX59/CBS4, Richardson's initial hearing, previously scheduled for Dec. 9, has been waived. Court records list a bench trial for Jan. 4, 2027.A bench trial means a judge, rather than a jury, will determine the outcome. The scheduled date could change as the proceedings continue.There has been no confirmed announcement of disciplinary action from the Colts or the NFL related to the misdemeanor charge.For Richardson, the timing comes during a season in which he has yet to appear in a regular-season game.Indianapolis selected the former Florida quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. At the time, his combination of arm strength and rushing ability made him one of the draft's most closely watched quarterback prospects.However, his first three NFL seasons did not establish him as Indianapolis' long-term starter.Richardson recorded an 8-7 record as a starter across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His career passing totals include 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, along with 10 rushing touchdowns.He subsequently lost the starting job to Daniel Jones, who remains ahead of him on the Colts' depth chart.Richardson sought a trade earlier in 2026 but remained with Indianapolis. The organization also declined his fifth-year contract option in April, leaving him in the final season of his rookie deal.That decision means Richardson is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2026 season unless his contract situation changes.The misdemeanor case does not automatically mean Indianapolis will release him or that the NFL will suspend him. Neither outcome has been announced.Nevertheless, Richardson faces two separate questions about his future: how the legal proceedings will conclude and whether he can earn another opportunity to start in the NFL.The Colts are preparing to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 25, with Jones expected to start at quarterback.Richardson's next scheduled legal proceeding is the Jan. 4 bench trial. His playing future remains unresolved as the final year of his Colts contract continues.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.