Former Colts RB Trent Richardson Placed on Roughriders’ Suspended List

Trent Richardson, to the surprise of many, has been having a bit of a career resurgence in the CFL. The former Indianapolis Colts’ running back had a very solid 2017 season with Saskatchewan, carrying the ball 48 times for 259 yards with 2 touchdowns in only 4 games of action.

However, Richardson will not be starting training camp with the team and is being placed on the team’s suspended list due to some personal issues at home according to head coach Chris Jones. When asked earlier this month if the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft would be with the team to start training camp, Jones didn’t appear hopeful.

“I don’t think so, no. Right now Trent’s got some situations going on at home so we’ll just have to see where that goes.”

Per the CFL’s glossary, the following explanation is given: “A player who violates his contract with the Club may, upon application to the Commissioner, be placed on the League Suspension List.” However, the glossary also indicates that the most common usage for this distinction is “the result of a player not reporting to training camp or leaving the team/not attending practice during the season without team approval.”

Richardson’s coaching staff did expect this, but it doesn’t appear that they are in favor of whatever the explanation has been to this point if they aren’t giving their approval for his leave.

Richardson carried the ball 316 times for 977 yards (3.09 yards per carry), caught 55 passes for 494 yards and scored 7 total touchdowns in his two seasons with the Colts.