Former Cowboy Arrested In Police Prostitution Sting

[GreenBat]

Anderson arrested in police prostitution sting

By Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

The Arizona Cardinals fired first-year wide receivers coach Richie Anderson on Monday evening, just four days after he was arrested for allegedly soliciting an undercover Phoenix police officer who was posing as a prostitute as part of a sting operation.

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt announced the dismissal of Anderson, who was hired in late January, in a statement released by the team.

"I wanted a chance to review the details of the situation before making any decision," Whisenhunt said. "While it's disappointing, I've decided that this is clearly in the best interest of our team in this particular instance. Our focus now is on finding a replacement and I am confident we will be able to do that relatively soon."

Anderson, 35, was one of five men arrested last Thursday evening at the Pointe South Mountain Resort, the site of the sting operation. He was taken into custody without incident, police said, and held at the Fourth Avenue Jail for a short time before being released on bond.

Police have not released any further details of the incident.

Anderson played 13 seasons in the NFL as a fullback for the New York Jets (1993-2002) and the Dallas Cowboys (2003-05), appearing in 161 games. The former Penn State standout was one of the league's most accomplished receivers out of the backfield during his long NFL tenure.

He caught 400 passes for 3,149 yards and 14 touchdowns and carried 318 times for 1,274 yards and four touchdowns. He holds the Jets' franchise record for most receptions by a back with 305. Anderson was chosen for the 2000 Pro Bowl game.

In 2006, Anderson served as the Jets' assistant wide receivers and tight ends coach.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

[MeanGreenBuzz]

I remember the name, but for the life of me I can't ever remember him playing or making an impact on the Cowboys... maybe its just selective memory trying to forget those seasons.

[hickoryhouse]

sadly i understand. Anderson is one of the only things i remember from those seasons, he was other than witten the only consistant offensive performer we had.

now on the other hand, after hearing him do commentary on the pregame show on the ticket with Bob Sturm all year last year i am really surprised. I know you don't get to know a guy buy listening to him on the radio but nobody in the league ever had a bad ting to say about the guy..... oh well, Fish gotta swim i guess....