Ex-Kings forward Mike Richards charged with possession of controlled substance

Former Los Angeles Kings forward Mike Richards has been charged with possession of a controlled substance while entering Canada, the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police tweeted Thursday morning.

Richards, 30, is due to appear in court Sept. 10, according to the RCMP tweet.

The Kings terminated Richards' contract June 29 after putting him on waivers, citing in a release "a material breach of the requirements of his Standard Player's Contract."

The NHL Players' Association on Aug. 10  then field a grievance contesting the termination.

Richards, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Kings, spent 53 games in the NHL last season, recording 16 points. He was also sent down to the the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings' American Hockey League affiliate, where he had 14 points in 16 games.

Richards is an unrestricted free agent.

Rand Simon, an agent who works with Richards' representative Patrick Morris at Newport Sports Management, said the firm has no comment on the charge being filed against Richards.