Former NFL star Ricardo Lockette was arrested this week in his hometown of Georgia, according to official booking records obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The ex-football player is facing multiple charges, including possession of a weapon while committing a felony, possession of a vehicle with an altered VIN, and theft by acquiring stolen property.
Lockette, who played college football at Fort Valley State University, was not drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft but signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He had short stints with the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers before returning to the Seahawks in 2013.
He was part of the 2013 Super Bowl-winning team, which was the first championship in the franchise’s history. In 2016, Lockette retired from football after suffering a severe neck injury.
According to court documents obtained by WSB-TV, Georgia State Patrol troopers were conducting surveillance when they noticed Lockette leaving in a vehicle with suspicious tags. They followed and stopped the vehicle and found that it had been reported stolen. Lockette told authorities that he had purchased the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX through a social media marketplace, but officers found inconsistencies in his story.
Lockette is currently facing charges related to the possession of a stolen vehicle and for attempting to use social media to purchase a stolen vehicle. This is not the first time the former NFL player has been in trouble with the law. In 2017, he was arrested in Seattle for a DUI and released by the Seahawks shortly after.
Former NFL player Ricardo Lockette arrested in metro Atlanta https://t.co/czOCC8Ryfq
— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) April 11, 2024
Fans and teammates of Lockette have expressed surprise and disappointment over his recent arrest. Many have also expressed concern for his well-being, as this is not the first time he has been involved in a legal issue.
As the legal proceedings continue, many are left wondering what led Lockette down this path. Some speculate that his retirement from football may have had a negative impact on his mental health and decision-making.
