Trent Richardson's future in the NFL is cloudy. (Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports)
Running back Trent Richardson had a legitimate reason for his absence from the team’s walkthrough prior to the AFC Championship Game, complications with his girlfriend’s pregnancy, according to an Indianapolis Star report Monday.
Richardson received a two-game suspension from the Colts after missing the walkthrough and the team’s flight to New England for the game against the Patriots.
Sources told the newspaper that Richardson’s girlfriend was having contractions and looked to be in premature labor after 28 weeks. Richardson reportedly took her to the hospital.
The team subsequently handed Richardson the two-game penalty, citing his failure to communicate with the team. Richardson later said it was a family emergency and his cell phone was not working.
The Colts lost the AFC title game 45-7 to the Patriots.
Richardson already was in the Colts’ doghouse for gaining 15 pounds during the season, ESPN.com reported earlier this month. The weight gain reportedly occurred after he sustained hamstring injury at midseason.
One game remains on Richardson’s suspension — if he is still with Indianapolis next season. Due to a clause in his contract, the team could decide to let him go and void $3.1 million in guarantees, though that likely would lead to a labor grievance, the Star reported.
Richardson, 24, was acquired from the Cleveland Browns for a first-round pick in 2013. In 29 games with Indianapolis, he has 977 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 316 carries (3.1-yard average). He played 17 games over two seasons with the Browns, amassing 1,055 yards and 11 touchdowns on 298 carries (3.5-yard average).
