Jason Richardson

Professional basketball shooting guard Jason Richardson plays for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association.

Richardson was arrested on February 15, 2009, in Arizona for reckless driving, excessive speeding and failure to use a child seat. Police stopped Richardson after he was clocked driving 90 mph in a 35 mph zone. Officers also found his 3-year-old son in the back of the car, not sitting in a child safety seat.ESPN.com: Phoenix Suns' Jason Richardson Charged with Reckless Driving

2008 Trade

On December 10, 2008, news agencies reported that the Charlotte Bobcats traded Richardson, a draft pick and Jared Dudley to the Phoenix Suns for guards Raja Bell and Sean Singletary and forward Boris Diaw.ESPN.com: Source: Suns get Richardson from Cats (December 10, 2008)

Brief Bio

Jason Richardson was the Slam Dunk Champion during All-Star Weekend in 2002 and 2003. He is recognized for his athleticism and ability to score. After his trade from the Golden State Warriors, he was considered the franchise player of the Bobcats and was a spokesperson for Bobcats owner Michael Jordan's shoe and clothing line.

Early Life

Jason Anthoney Richardson was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on January 20, 1981. He attended Michigan State University where with the help of Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, and Charlie Bell they would win the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 2000.

Pro Career

Richardson was selected with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. He quickly established himself as an explosive scorer, and one of the best dunkers in the game. He would win the 2002 and 2003 Slam Dunk Contest and lose in the finals of the 2004 contest. He would be named Team Captain of the Warriors. After failing to reach the playoffs for twelve straight years, Richardson and other team members wrote an apology to the fans in the local paper. Richardson would eventually lead the team to the playoffs in 2007, and an upset victory over the number one seeded Dallas Mavericks. After the improbable playoff run, Richardson was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats with Jermareo Davidson for Brandon Wright. In Charlotte, he led the Bobcats in scoring and became the young team's franchise player.