Mike Richards has officially been charged by the RCMP

[Axeman33]

And the story continues to grow....

https://mobile.twitter.com/KatieStra...3700534272?p=v

Former LA Kings forward Mike Richards has been charged by the RCMP with possession of a controlled substance, agency confirms to ESPN

https://mobile.twitter.com/KatieStra...7555953664?p=v

Richards, who was arrested then released on June 17 after being intercepted @ the Emerson (MB) border, scheduled to appear in court Sept 10

[Godin]

Yikes! Guess that explains his downfall.

[ericdaoust]

Richards missed some valuable advice when he was a rookie...

You got to have a fall guy in the crew

[Bass56]

With him now being over 30 and his downfall over the past few seasons , combined with his work ethic and now this, I think it's safe to assume that his NHL days are pretty much over.

IF he does make his way back to the pros, I can't see him being more than a depth player a best.

Sucks to waste so much talent and opportunities!

[Pengwin7]

The Emerson, MB border?
Well, I guess that's near his home area of Kenora.
Love to hear the story about why he was on the US side and why he was coming back with the "substances".

Kenora is first Ontario city to right of green park at top center of map below.
Line extends from Grand Forks, thru Emerson border, to Winnipeg and beyond.

[GoNucks]

Wonder if this is the end for his NHL career.

[Pengwin7]

Wonder if this is the end for his NHL career.

I'd say yes.
BTW... how about this juicy nugget from the end of Richie's "Personal Life" on wiki:
Richards became engaged to longtime girlfriend Lindsey MacDonald in the spring of 2015 and they ended their engagement late 2015.

(somebody effin with him?)

[ericdaoust]

The Emerson, MB border?
Well, I guess that's near his home area of Kenora.
Love to hear the story about why he was on the US side and why he was coming back with the "substances".

Kenora is first Ontario city to right of green park at top center of map below.
Line extends from Grand Forks, thru Emerson border, to Winnipeg and beyond.

Richards was on the 2005 WJC super-team. Tournament was held in Grand Forks and a ton of fans came in from Winnipeg. I dunno... maybe he was visiting some old party locations?

[GoNucks]

He is only 30 so I could see a comeback....he is only a couple years from a 40+ season in a two way role..although quite a long shot now I bet.

[Pengwin7]

He's an "old" 30-year old though.

10 NHL Seasons, 710 games.
He's been to 3 Stanley Cup Finals, 2 wins ('12 & '14 w/Kings).
And he played a shitload of junior hockey.

It's very possible that he doesn't feel like there's anything left to achieve... and he has no motivation to play any more.
He has/had 5 years left on his contract.
If he can live humbly in Northern ONT / MB... he should have enough cash for life.

He was my fave player for several years.
But I think he is burnt out.

[Loch]

Fun fact.... years ago I acquired Richards, in a trade that sent away a young Jamie Benn. (not straight up mind you, but god does it hurt)

[Big Ev]

He's an "old" 30-year old though.

10 NHL Seasons, 710 games.
He's been to 3 Stanley Cup Finals, 2 wins ('12 & '14 w/Kings).
And he played a shitload of junior hockey.

It's very possible that he doesn't feel like there's anything left to achieve... and he has no motivation to play any more.
He has/had 5 years left on his contract.
If he can live humbly in Northern ONT / MB... he should have enough cash for life.

He was my fave player for several years.
But I think he is burnt out.

plus the coke.

Happened to Heatley, Redden, McGrattan, etc.

[Pengwin7]

True. The coke doesn't help.
He probably looks forward to that more than hockey.

[fungchen3]

He's an "old" 30-year old though.

10 NHL Seasons, 710 games.
He's been to 3 Stanley Cup Finals, 2 wins ('12 & '14 w/Kings).
And he played a shitload of junior hockey.

It's very possible that he doesn't feel like there's anything left to achieve... and he has no motivation to play any more.
He has/had 5 years left on his contract.
If he can live humbly in Northern ONT / MB... he should have enough cash for life.

He was my fave player for several years.
But I think he is burnt out.

You are absolutely correct P7 he's an "old" 30 year old. Outside of the "rumored" drug issues in Philly, the biggest issue the Flyers had with him is that he NEVER took a serious approach to his personal fitness. Holmgren, and multiple coaches / trainers, personally tried everything they could to motivate Richards to improve his dedication to fitness - they all failed. Richards is / was a stubborn kid who never respected his body. After a couple of bad shoulder injuries, some in the Flyers brass wondered if he'd ever be fully effective again. He just wanted to party, go on the ice and play... you know... "live the dream." But he never looked at his job as a true profession IMO. Fortunately for many pro athletes these days, you can make enough money in one mega deal to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Richards is most likely set financially.

[CascadeFilly]

I agree, I'm sure his NHL career is likely over.

I hope he gets some help. Not sure how much the NHL/NHLPA can do, but if a player needs support, these establishments should do all they can to help.