Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson was suspended for the AFC Championship and will miss the first game of next season, provided he's still with the team when that game rolls around. At the moment, things aren't looking great, as the Colts are unhappy with the player they traded a first-round pick for in 2013, according to a report from ESPN.
Colts reportedly near breaking point with Trent Richardson over weight issues, absence
The Colts can void the final year of Richardson’s contract with no financial penalties, though the NFLPA would likely appeal.
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Per the report, the Colts are unhappy with Richardson due to “weight issues, accessibility and an absence.” Richardson had significant weight gain throughout the course of the 2014-15 season, getting up to 240 pounds from 225 at the start of the year. The weight gains started after Richardson suffered a hamstring injury on Oct. 19.
But Richardson was in line to get plenty of work down the stretch, especially after Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a fractured fibula and had to be placed on injured reserve following a game against the New England Patriots on Nov. 16. But the Colts couldn't get in touch with Richardson and "didn't have any communication with him until around 1 p.m. the day after the Patriots game," according to the report.
The absence is referring to the team’s walkthrough just before Indianapolis’ AFC Championship against the Patriots. Richardson did not inform the Colts that he would not be there, though he says there was a family emergency and that he had phone troubles which prevented him from contacting the team.
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Whatever the case, the report noted that the Colts can exercise an option in Richardson's contract that would void $3.1 million in guaranteed money for next season. That's the remaining salary in his contract he originally signed with the Cleveland Browns following the 2012 NFL Draft. Said contract was fully guaranteed, but the suspension voids the guarantee portion. If the team elects to release him there would be no penalty, though the NFL Players Association would surely appeal.
Even without all of these issues straining the relationship between Richardson and the Colts, it should be noted that he’s had problems being an effective player on the field. He had a promising rookie campaign with the Browns, but was traded to the Colts for a first-round pick the following season after a new regime took over. The new brass in Cleveland likely convinced the Colts that Richardson was an asset, but not one that fit with the new scheme.
Since joining the Colts, Richardson has rushed for under 1,000 yards and just six touchdowns. He posted a per carry average of 2.9 yards in 2013 and 3.3 yards in 2014. He might be considered someone the Colts could release even if the $3.1 million were still guaranteed.
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