NFL Suspends Sheldon Richardson For Jets Season Opener
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- For the second year in a row, Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson will be suspended to start the season.
The NFL announced Thursday it has suspended Richardson for one game for violating its personal conduct policy.
A St. Charles County judge sentenced Richardson to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service after he drove a 2014 Bentley Silver Spur at high speeds on an interstate near his offseason home.
Richardson's guilty plea to the most serious offense will be wiped from his record if he successfully completes probation. He also pleaded guilty to speeding and running a red light and was fined. Two other traffic offenses were reduced to muffler violations to which he pleaded guilty.
Richardson was accompanied by a 12-year-old relative and two male passengers when he was stopped. Police say they found a loaded semi-automatic handgun under a floor mat and detected a strong marijuana odor.
He was not charged for the gun possession or marijuana, nor were his passengers charged.
Richardson told reporters last month that he had a good feeling his punishment from the NFL wouldn't be severe.
"Positive vibes, man," Richardson said. "If I get a letter saying I'm suspended, I'm suspended. I don't really hang my hat on that. That happened last year, last offseason. A new year, you know? I'm past it. I'm ready to play football."
He added that he believes there are some inaccurate details in the police report and in media reports about the incident, but didn't offer specifics.
The 2013 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year was suspended for the first four games last season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He finished the year with five sacks in 11 games.
Richardson will be eligibile to participate in training camp and all preseason games. He will miss the Jets' Sept. 11 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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