A forgettable year for Mike Goodson will take another turn on Wednesday at the Morris County (N.J.) Courthouse, where the Jets running back will enter “not guilty’’ pleas at an arraignment associated with his May 17 arrest on weapons and other charges.
Goodson and an acquaintance, Garant Evans of Roselle, N.J., were arrested after being discovered after 3 a.m. in a stopped car on Route 80 in New Jersey. Goodson, who was intoxicated at the time of his arrest, was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a loaded handgun, possession of marijuana (under 50 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of hollow-point ammunition.
The men, who were indicted in November, each face at least three years in prison if convicted.
Goodson’s attorney Anthony Fusco, who confirmed on Tuesday Goodson will plead “not guilty,’’ expressed confidence that once the legal process takes its course, his client will be exonerated and return to football next season.
“He’ll be back,’’ Fusco said.
Fusco also said at issue is whether the search of the vehicle by the police was legal.
The biggest issue in the case is who the firearm belongs to. A loaded Taurus .45 caliber handgun was recovered from the glove box along with rounds of ammunition, including at least one hollow-point bullet (ammunition that is banned in New Jersey).
Wednesday’s proceeding is a mere formality, during which a next court date will be presented as evidence is gathered, Fusco said.
Once Goodson returned to the Jets after a months away from the game, just when it looked as if he was about to become a big part of the offense, he suffered a season-ending knee injury. He signed a three-year, $6.9 million contract with the Jets and has two remaining years.