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

Former Los Angeles Kings forward Mike Richards was charged Thursday with possession of a controlled substance while entering Canada, the RCMP announced.

The charges arise from an alleged incident that occurred on the border of Emerson, Manitoba, and Pembina, N.D. in June.

Richards is due in court Sept. 10.

Richards' 12-year, $69-million contract was terminated by the Kings on June 29 on the grounds of "a material breach of the requirements of his Standard Player's Contract."

The NHLPA has filed a grievance on Richards' behalf and is seeking an expedited hearing.