tmz richards

According to a report from TMZ Sports, Mike Richards’ ongoing Canadian border drama involves oxycodone pills. There are still no charges filed, but as TMZ reports, “NHL officials have been notified that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigation into ex-L.A. Kings player Mike Richards involves the prescription drug oxycodone.” Their sources say Richards was stopped while crossing the border and questioned about the pills in his possession. So far, neither Richards, the Kings, the NHL, or Canada have commented.

UPDATE:

Paul Friesen of Sun Sports reports that Richards was arrested and not merely detained at the Emerson border crossing in Manitoba, where he was held for four hours on June 17. He could be charged (but has not been yet) with smuggling for carrying OxyContin pills with no prescription, if that was indeed the case.

Kyle: Least surprising thing ever. This is now something to substantiate the countless rumors about Richards’ off-ice habits. The term “pill popper” – among other things – has been thrown around endlessly deep in message boards, comment sections and email tip boxes for years now. That said, I’d imagine a professional athlete with painkillers is pretty standard fare. Richards better have had a lot in his possession, illegally, for this to turn into an arrest and breach of contract. Otherwise, the Kings are reaching here and, should their decision to terminate his contract pass whatever ensuring legal fight is coming, then it’ll set a scary precedent for players, whom, I’m guessing, routinely do things that are technically in violation of their contract.