New York Jets DE Sheldon Richardson Charged With Resisting Arrest Following Missouri Road Race

A high-speed car race in Missouri last July 14 ended in Sheldon Richardson being charged with resisting arrest and traffic violations.

USA Today said that court records from the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney's Office revealed that the New York Jets defensive lineman was racing with another car in a speed of 122 to 143 miles per hour.

He also reportedly fled from the scene when the police tried to apprehend him.

The same report added that police officers ordered the NFL player and two other companions, including a 12-year-old, to get out of the car where they also found a handgun and smelled burning marijuana.

If convicted, the New York Times explained that he may be sentenced to one year jail term.

"He could also be subject to additional discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy, which was overhauled last December and is separate from the substance abuse program," added the same report.

His arraignment is set for Oct. 27.

In a statement quoted by USA Today, the Jets have confirmed that they are aware of the situation.

"This is a pending legal matter and we will have no further comment at this time," the team said.

ESPN report that the incident happened just 12 days after Richarson was slapped with a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

The violations were not made public until Thursday.

He, however, denied that he is a frequent marijuana user.

"I'm not a dope fiend. I can say no. I just chose not to. I was in a depressing time in my offseason and that's just it. It's just that simple. There's money on the line and my money is worth more than some weed," Richardson said in the USA Today report.

The defensive lineman also expressed that he was disappointed with what he has done which has definitely affected his NFL career.

"Seeing yourself going from the Pro Bowl to the second string, you can't help but be disappointed in yourself. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on," he said.

Despite his suspension, the New York Times said that Richardson can still participate in training-camp practices and preseason games.

And when asked about his personal troubles that led to his suspension, the player said, "You all know me through a camera lens. You all don't know my life, so you wouldn't understand."

As for the team, coach Todd Bowles told the New York Times that they will all help Richardson tovercome his problems.

"He'll practice every day, and we'll get him in shape. It will be a good lesson for him. I'm sure his parents are more disappointed than anybody, and he had to stand that. His actions will speak louder than his words going forward," Bowles said.

Bowles expressed hope that the lineman could change.