Colts Reportedly Unhappy With Trent Richardson
According to Mike Wells of ESPN, the Indianapolis Colts are very much unhappy with Trent Richardson at the moment. Of course, “unhappy” is probably putting it lightly and may be the understatement of the year all things considered. General Manager Ryan Grigson, head coach Chuck Pagano, and the rest of his coaching staff have to be borderline infuriated.
Sep 15, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) reacts after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Philadelphia defeats Indianapolis 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The 3rd-year running back may be in serious danger of offseason release, as his $3.1 million could be voided this year because of a 2-game suspension that effectively ended his season. While the NFLPA is sure to appeal such a ruling, it certainly doesn’t bode well for Richardson’s long-term future as a member of the Indianapolis Colts regardless.
Per Wells and his sources, the Colts were first frustrated with Richardson’s weight, which increased from 225 to 240 pounds earlier this season:
"“That’s when Richardson’s weight issue started to take off. He began the season at 225 pounds, but his weight had ballooned up to around 240 pounds later in the season, according to a source.”"
Weight issues were something that were floated around previously, but were vehemently denied by Richardson later in the season as he said he had no knowledge of such an issue.
However, the last straw that finally broke the camel’s back was when Richardson missed the walk-through before the team’s AFC Championship game, but didn’t notify the Colts beforehand:
"The Colts, according to a source, became frustrated with Richardson because they couldn’t get in touch with him and didn’t have any communication with him until around 1 p.m. the day after the Patriots game."
It may very well be the last notable headlines Richardson makes as a Colt before his release, as it’s hard to envision the team keeping around a player that has been largely ineffective as their starting running back through 2 seasons. Especially, one who doesn’t work that hard at his craft and isn’t overly concerned about the team.
As the former 3rd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Richardson plodded to 519 rushing yards on 159 carries for a subpar 3.3 yards per carry average. Once a highly regarded young running back, Richardson hasn’t played anywhere close to the talented runner the Colts thought they were getting from Cleveland when they surrendered their 2014 1st round pick in a 2013 trade.
These may very well be the end for Richardson as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Sep 15, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports