Former Bears star Michael Richardson, 59, is arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a 47-year-old Phoenix man
Retired Chicago Bears cornerback Michael Richardson has been arrested and charged with murder following Tuesday's shooting death of a 47-year-old Phoenix man.
The 59-year-old Richardson was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder, according to jail records.
The victim, Robert Like, was discovered by police at a Phoenix-area intersection after being shot on Tuesday. He was rushed to the hospital, where he ultimately died.
Retired Chicago Bears cornerback Michael Richardson has been arrested for on a murder charge following Tuesday's shooting death of a 47-year-old Phoenix man
During his time with the famed 1985 Bears defense, Richardson was referred to as 'LA Mike' and even got his own solo in the notorious 'Super Bowl Shuffle' video. 'I'm L.A. Mike and I play it cool, they don't sneak by me because I'm no fool,' Richardson sang
The shooting allegedly took place at a Phoenix-area intersection, according to KNXV
Richardson is being held without bond on charges of murder, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, and possession of a dangerous drug for sale, according to Maricopa County jail records.
After famously winning a Super Bowl with the Bears at the end of the 1985 season, Richardson was named a second-team All-Pro in 1986.
However, the Compton, California native would go on to battle drug issues for the remainder of his career and after his final season in 1989.
In fact, he's already been arrested by Phoenix police twice in 2020 for alleged drug possession, and was picked up in Maricopa County in 2018 on methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and heroin charges, according to KNXV.
Richardson has been convicted of more than 20 drug-related crimes in his life and has been in and out of prison, according to multiple reports. In 2008, he faced a 13-year sentence for drug possession, but later had that sentenced reduced.
After famously winning a Super Bowl with the Bears at the end of the 1985 season, Richardson was named a second-team All-Pro in 1986
According to one public defender representing Richardson, the former Arizona State standout has a 'deep dependence on drugs' that began when he was just 13.
'I just lost focus,' Richardson told ESPN in 2010. 'At some point, the party has to stop, and my party didn't stop. And if the party is 24 hours around the clock, eventually you're going to get in trouble.
'Unfortunately, I had to experience some pain to change, and that's really a motivator. Sometimes, if the fire gets hot enough, you have to get away from the place where you get burned, and it takes some people longer than others to change. I just thank God for who I am today. I'm definitely a different person today.'
During his time with the famed 1985 Bears defense, Richardson was referred to as 'LA Mike' and even got his own solo in the notorious 'Super Bowl Shuffle' video.
'I'm L.A. Mike and I play it cool, they don't sneak by me because I'm no fool,' Richardson sang.
Chicago Bears cornerback Mike Richardson breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Stephen Starring #81 of the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986