What’s Next For New York Jets’ Sheldon Richardson?

Mandatory Photo Credit: Yard Barker

NEW YORK – Training camps are underway for the New York Jets and all eyes are set on a bounce back season. Yet, there remains scattered thoughts elsewhere in regards to priorities. Defensive end Sheldon Richardson was most recently charged, on July 14, with resisting arrest and various traffic violations due to his speeding.

During the extravagant scenario, Richardson was reportedly speeding and reaching a top speed of 143 mph. In addition, Richardson has several other individuals in his car, including a 12-year-old boy in the back seat.

The complications do not end there; Richardson was asked to get out of the vehicle at gunpoint due to the police officer’s demands, but seemed to reach for something below. Later, the police officer, known as Tim Lohmar found a loaded semi-automatic handgun beneath Richardson’s driving mat. It was confirmed later that Richardson owned the gun legally.

The Jets organization are in an interesting situation. Reportedly, the Jets were not aware of Richardson’s story until the news broke on July 30; thus, leading to the fact that Richardson failed to notify the team of the arrest.

Although the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year will not face a charge on child endangerment, had no drugs found in the vehicle, and was carry a legal weapon, it should prove to be enough for any organization to cringe at the facts.

Earlier in the year Richardson was suspended by the NFL for four games for abusing the substance policy; he failed the test due to marijuana, the same drug Lohmar has stated Rirchardson’s vehicle had reeked of.

“We’re pretty darn sure we know what was going on there,” he said. “It reeked of marijuana … but without the [marijuana] itself, you don’t have enough evidence to support drug charges” (Cimini).

The current complications with Richardson could complicate his personal life, as well as his career in the NFL. If found guilty on the given charges, Richardson could be subject to up to one year in jail and a potential $1,000 fine.

Where does the 24-year-old Richardson go from here? Let alone, where does the NFL go from here? Richardson could be subject to additional penalty due to his recent actions from the NFL, his employer. Whether it would be a fine or an additional suspension remains to be unknown, if any degree would be added to his penalty.

The Jets however are in a more intriguing situation. Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan expressed trust issues with Richardson’s behavior.

“There is a degree of trust that has been broken, but we are supportive of him. … We’re doing everything in  our powers to help him not just as a football player develop, but as a man making sure he does the right things off the field” (Wesseling).

It is however evident that Richardson is aware of his issues. Richardson spoke to the media, but refrained from talking about the arrest due to pending legal matters.

“I’ve got to do better,” Richardson said. “I will do better.” Richardson continued, “That was just one bad night,” he said. “I thought it would be fun to show my family members something. They never rode in a car like that before” (Costello).

It seems that Jets players are segregated into two parties concerning the Richardson’s dilemma. Many have come out in full support, encouraging Richardson to get help and find himself as a man, but according to TMZ, a controversial source, several Jets players have been angered by his actions.

“He shouldn’t be back on the team,” one NY player told TMZ … “It’s disgusting to think he’d do something like that with a kid in the car.”

An additional player stated his concern due to the endangerment to the child. “I’m very disappointed in what he did. I have kids, I can’t even imagine doing what he did.”

Whether this could spark locker room controversy, Richardson will have to mature to continue his football success. Many have speculated that this could be the beginning of the end of Richardson’s career with the Jets, as he is a free agent in 2017.

At one point, specifically 2014, Richardson hinted towards an extensive contract topping $100 million with the Jets. Those demands should seem fleeting as Richardson finds himself in a multitude of issues. Maccagnan has stated that he will not commit to Richardson’s long-term future.

“At this point in time, we’ll see how it progresses,” Maccagnan said Saturday. “It’s not about words right now, it’s about actions — not actions on the football field. It’s how he handles himself” (Cimini).

In an effort to solve some, if not all, of the issues, Richardson is scheduled to undergo counseling from a team psychologist.

As stated earlier, Richardson will not see the field until Week 6, as of now with no discipline on the most recent matter, against the Washington Redskins.