This morning, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced that they were charging Mike Richards, in the wake of an incident at the Canadian border on June 17.
Mike Richards charged for Possession of Controlled Substance while entering Canada. To appear in court Sep10/15. No further updates #rcmpmb
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) August 27, 2015
As per TSN, said substance consisted of pills which were “clearly intended for personal use,” so any wild rumors about distribution should be put to rest. In name, it’s the same charge as the one Jarret Stoll faced earlier in the summer, but as mentioned above, there could still be additional details we’re not aware of. The big difference, of course, is that the investigation and subsequent court date are happening in Canada.
This doesn’t affect the Los Angeles Kings a whole lot, of course; the NHLPA’s grievance is still going forward, and as a charge was expected in this matter, this probably won’t make the Kings’ case any stronger.
Mike Richards being charged with possession will not alter the outcome of his grievance. Remains challenging case for Kings.
— Eric Macramalla (@EricOnSportsLaw) August 27, 2015
There’s no date for the grievance-related hearing as of now. Richards remains a free agent.