The New York Jets signed running back Mike Goodson to a contract in the hopes that he would give them a tough and consistent runner between the tackles, but instead so far they have only gotten negative headlines, as the running back was arrested last week.
According to ESPN.com, Goodson's issues did not start last week when he was pulled over on both weapons and gun charges, but he has been dealing with legal issues since his time in Oakland with the Raiders and in Carolina with the Panthers. The report says that Goodson has paternity and child support cases from three women according to court documents, which said that he has fathered at least six children. Other issues include an unpaid bill at a jewelry store in Houston, which included a $37,500 Breitling watch, and that money was garnished from his paychecks during his time with the Raiders in Oakland.
His newest case could force him to face jail time after he was found with drugs and a gun when pulled over in New Jersey in mid-May and now the Jets must figure out to handle it. Goodson was signed by the Jets with a $1 million signing bonus and the team sees him as one of their primary offensive weapons next season. The report talks about the tough upbringing for Goodson, which could be a reason for his troubles and he also once told a judge he had 12 children to support. Goodson was close with Reggie McKenzie in Oakland, but now he is with the Jets after the team didn't resign him there.
The newest arrest for Goodson came when he was pulled over and was found "incoherent, slobbering and had vomited all over himself", according to police. The cops found a bag of weed as well as a gun, which he told the Jets he does not own. He could face multiple years in prison for the charges and despite the arrest he is expected to return to practice next week. Goodson was not present for the OTA workouts this past week and could join back next week according to league sources.
CHECK here for details on the legal issues.
"We will support Mike," said Goodson's agent, Kennard McGuire. "I will not and cannot give up on Mike. Society does that enough. We will allow this process to play itself out and we will maintain our position of holding Mike accountable. If the past is the past, we will continue to surround him with the proper people and I have no doubt that he will mature to the level of that support."
