NHLer Mike Richards's drug charges light up Twitterverse
Many fans were disappointed about Richards's 'fall from grace'
Hockey fans took to Twitter Thursday after Manitoba RCMP announced that they had formally charged Mike Richards with drug possession after Canadian border guards intercepted Richards with oxycodone as he crossed the border into Canada from the United States.Â
Mike Richards NHL Career seems to be in limbo at this point. He'll have a hard time getting across the border if he gets convicted.
—@andrewsheehy228Mike Richards has been charged with drug possession .Oh Mike what were you thinking <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHL?src=hash">#NHL</a>
—@royal_lee19Mike Richards was charged.. What a fall from grace. Oh well, y'all can hop off the Kings now tbh.
—@Nick_JLAWhy would Mike Richards be charged now, after this much time has passed
—@pullmygoaliesSome pointed out that Richards wasn't the first NHL player, or even Kings player to be charged for drug possession in recent history.Â
First Jarrett Stoll....Now Mike Richards....who on the L.A. Kings ISN'T doing drugs?!?!?!?!
—@HM_Murdock36King's forward Jarret Stoll was charged with felony cocaine possession in June for an incident that happened on April 17.Â
Stoll pleaded guilty to two reduced misdemeanor charges, which caused his felony charge to be dismissed.Â
- Kings' Jarret Stoll charged with felony cocaine possession
- Jarrett Stoll, Kings forward, has felony cocaine charge dismissed
Mike Richards will get a similar slap on the wrist. This charge is incredibly insignificant.
—@AaronWrotkowskiRyan Malone, left wing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, was charged with cocaine possession and impaired driving in April.Â
Some took the opportunity to reiterated their joy that Richards was off the Kings' roster. He had experienced a decline in performance which prompted the Kings to send him back to the American Hockey League.Â
Wow Mike Richards. You were a bust from the beginning, idk why LA have you a contract extension. Good thing you're gone now✌🏻️
—@Bflan5728But there seemed to be more who were sad to have seen the two-time Stanley Cup winner, Olympic and World Junior champion, in such a sticky situation.Â
Mike Richards was my fav player when he was here. Great leader, loved his style and grit. But I guess homer knew what we all didn't.The fall
—@TheRifle27I love you Mike Richards. Always will. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flyers?src=hash">#Flyers</a>
—@JohanGartnerOh Mike Richards. What a fall from grace.
—@healedbyhockeyMike Richards is scheduled to appear in Emerson provincial court on Sept. 10.
National Hockey League Players Association spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon said the league and the NHLPA are working on a date for a grievance hearing for Richards. That date has not been set.