Mychal Kendricks pled guilty to insider trading charges last week and could face up to 25 years in prison, but in a rather shocking and head-scratching move, the Super Bowl-winning linebacker will play in the NFL this season before his sentencing.
Videos by FanBuzz
After being released by the Cleveland Browns following federal prosecutor's charges of insider trading, where he admitted he was wrong in front of U.S. District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter for turning $80,000 into $1.2 million in less than five months, the Seattle Seahawks have signed Kendricks to a one-year deal.
The 5-foot-11 linebacker, who started Super Bowl LII for the Philadelphia Eagles, is expected to play on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, too.
Kendricks was expected to be sentenced in December, meaning the Seahawks would get the former second-round pick from the 2012 NFL Draft for the bulk of the regular season. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting Kendricks is scheduled to be sentenced January 24 and could face 30-37 months in prison.
That would make linebacker Mychal Kendricks available for head coach Pete Carroll through the NFC Championship Game if the Seahawks were to make a playoff run.
Seattle hosted the 27-year-old Kendricks for a visit on Thursday because he is permitted to play until the NFL reviews his case.
The 2011 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year for the California Golden Bears, Kendricks being signed for his football talents is far from surprising. He has had a solid career, registering 459 tackles with 14 sacks, three interceptions and six forced fumbles.
But to sign him now, one week after he pled guilty to insider trader charges and faces jail time? That's not setting well with a lot of people.
Like it or not, Kendricks has signed a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, will play on Monday Night Football this week, and there's strangely nothing anyone can do about it.
