Atlanta, GA – Former NFL wide receiver Ricardo Lockette was arrested earlier this week in Atlanta on multiple charges, including:
- Possession of a gun or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit a felony
- Possession of a vehicle with an altered VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Theft by receiving stolen property
A History of Football and Controversy
Born in Georgia, Lockette played college football at Fort Valley State University and went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. He eventually signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he became a member of the 2013 Super Bowl-winning team.
However, Lockette’s football career was cut short in 2016 after he suffered a serious neck injury.
A Suspicious Traffic Stop
According to court documents obtained by LA News Center, Lockette’s arrest stemmed from a traffic stop conducted by Georgia State Patrol troopers. Troopers noticed Lockette driving a 2021 Ram 1500 TRX with a suspicious tag.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered that the TRX was reported stolen in March 2023. Lockette’s license was also suspended, and a handgun was found in his possession.
Discrepancies and Inconsistent Statements
When questioned by authorities, Lockette claimed to have purchased the truck on social media, but discrepancies in his information raised red flags.
An officer noted in a probable cause affidavit that the key FOB found with Lockette “was for a Ram Limited, which was inconsistent with the RAM TRX he was driving.” The officer further disclosed that the VIN displayed on the vehicle was fraudulent.
Previous Investigations
In 2014, Lockette was investigated for possible sexual misconduct during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. However, no charges were ever filed.
Lockette’s Current Legal Status
Lockette is currently in custody at the Fulton County Jail. His bail has been set at ,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
