Washington Capitals forward Mike Richards drug charges have reportedly been stayed. Stayed charges are charges that are dropped but unlike withdrawn charges can be brought back up within a year. His case has been put off until December 8th, 2016.
Just received this press release from Mike Richards’ lawyer about today’s stayed charge. #cbcmb pic.twitter.com/rcIPZvDEMa
— Angela Johnston (@angjohnston) February 24, 2016
The drug charges have followed the Capitals forward since last June when he was stopped at the border by Canadian authorities, as he was found to be in possession of the prescription drug Oxycontin as he tried to cross the border from the United States.
Following the charge, the Los Angeles Kings terminated his contract which had five more years and $22 million remaining. Following a grievance and settlement, they will have to pay him $1.32 million per year for the next five years. After the incident, he was suspended from the league until early January, when they agreed to reinstate Richards back into the NHL and the Washington Capitals signed him as depth down the middle on a pro-rated $1 million, one-year deal.
Richards has one goal in 16 games and a -2 rating with the Capitals. He currently plays on the team’s fourth line. His one goal was a game winner.
With the charges stayed, the 31-year-old can put the incident behind him as he no longer has to worry about it for the rest of the season. Richards’ hockey career after this season is uncertain as he will be entering unrestricted free agency once again in the summer.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: Mike Richards #10 of the Washington Capitals looks on during a stoppage in play against the New York Rangers in the third period at Verizon Center on January 17, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
