Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr facing marijuana possession charge after Indiana traffic stop

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. was charged with possession of marijuana this week after an encounter with law enforcement in Indiana earlier this month, court records revealed.

Richardson, who was drafted by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, is facing a criminal misdemeanor charge of possession following a traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana, on Oct. 12, court records show.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Richardson was pulled over by officers with the Carmel Police Department after the black 2023 Dodge Charger he was driving had a license plate that did not match its expired registration, according to FOX59, which first reported the news.

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Court records obtained by the outlet cited law enforcement’s statement that officers immediately detected the "odor of marijuana" when approaching the vehicle.

Richardson, who reportedly complied with officers, allegedly admitted to police when asked that he did smoke marijuana inside the car to avoid smoking in front of his children and that there was a small amount of the substance in the vehicle at the time of the stop.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed to OutKick that Richardson was issued a summons to appear in court for possession of marijuana as a result of a traffic stop.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. reacts during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

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According to FOX59, Richardson was briefly placed in cuffs as an officer searched his vehicle where a small Mason jar containing a substance believed to be marijuana and an opened bag of THC-infused gummies was found. He was issued a citation.

Online records obtained by OutKick confirmed the charge. Richardson’s initial court date for Dec. 9 was canceled and a bench trail was set for early next year.

The Colts said in a statement, "We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time."

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The charge follows a difficult week for Richardson that began with the firing of general manager Chris Ballard.

Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard walks on the field prior to the start of a NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 13, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"He believed in me enough to have me here, and I'm forever grateful for that," Richardson told reporters Wednesday.

"I'm trying to do my part and not make him feel like he made the wrong decision. So I'm just trying to keep getting better every week and am waiting on my opportunity."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Paulina Dedaj is the Senior Editor covering sports for OutKick and Fox News Digital.