Former Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson had 44 receptions for 703 yards and six touchdowns, all career highs, last season. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Washington Redskins player Paul Richardson Jr. claimed he was pulled over by Virginia State police and asked if he was part of a gang.
In a now-deleted tweet, the wide receiver detailed his experience that took place on Tuesday afternoon: “Just got pulled over by Virginia police offer [officer] in a toll lane and before asking my name he asked me if I was in a gang, then minutes later told me he thought I was a dealer (drugs). What a welcome to the east coast. Finished up with asking me how much car cost me.”
The tweet was brought to the attention of the state police who said Richardson was pulled over because his Mercedes SUV “did not have license plates displayed as required by Virginia law” and a ticket was issued “for failing to have the vehicle properly registered,” Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Johnson followed his initial tweet explaining that he was within the window to drive with temporary registration.
“I’ve had this car 2 weeks and this amazing officer gave me a ticket for only having temporary registration. Mind you I have up to 2 months in Va before needing to register it AGAIN in Virginia.”
Richardson, who just signed a five-year-deal worth up to $40 million with the Washington Redskins, later acknowledged via another tweet that the incident did occur but he could have handled it differently. “It’s true, but tweeting about it wasn’t the right way to deal.”
NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith told News4, “It represents a level of profiling.”
A spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police said they’re investigating the incident.
