Mike Goodson pleads not gulity
New York Jets running back Mike Goodson (23) stiff arms Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Vince Williams (98) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets backup running back Mike Goodson looked like a solid addition to the Jets offense in the offseason and was expected to create a stout running back pairing with Chris Ivory, who was finally coaxed away from his annual hostage situation with the New Orleans Saints (the Saints never wanted to let him go, but they never used his talents and let them waste on the bench). Ivory has undoubtedly panned out for the Jets, but Goodson is inching towards disaster territory mainly due to an off-field incident and injury.
Last year in May, Goodson was arrested for possession of marijuana and “cop killer” bullets in his gun, and that’s put him at the crossroads. Goodson was indicted in early November, and ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini reports that Goodson has pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Morristown, New Jersey. If convicted, the 26-year-old’s career is probably over.
He was placed on the injured reserve in mid-October after tearing his ACL, and he managed to play in just two games last season. In those games, Goodson carried the ball seven times for 61 yards, and he also caught two passes for 19 yards. He has solid talent and is a good all-purpose back, but his off-field issues and injuries have put his career at a crossroads. Goodson, by the way, is under contract with the Jets through the 2015 season.