Seahawks LB Mychal Kendricks’ Sentencing Hearing Postponed Again

For a fifth time, Mychal Kendricks’ sentencing hearing for insider trading charges has been pushed back, opening the door for the veteran linebacker to finish the 2019 season for the Seahawks.

According to ESPN reporter Brady Henderson, sources indicated Kendricks will now have his hearing sometime in February. He was slated for his hearing on Thursday, Nov. 21 in Philadelphia, where Seattle will be traveling to play in a Week 12 contest on Sunday.

Sources tell me and @Tim_McManus that Mychal Kendricks' sentencing date in his insider trading case has been postponed again. The new date is in February, a source said. Kendricks was scheduled to be sentenced Thursday in Philadelphia, where the Seahawks play the Eagles Sunday.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 18, 2019

It remains unclear why Kendricks’ sentencing hearing continues to be postponed, but such cases can be delayed by requests from the defendant, the U.S. attorney, or the court itself.

Kendricks was originally charged for insider trading in August 2018 after allegedly earning $1.2 million from investments back in 2014. He reportedly paid Damilare Sonoiki $10,000 and also gave him free tickets to attend Eagles games.

After being released by the Browns, Kendricks pled guilty to his charges in September 2018 and his original sentencing date was scheduled for January 24, 2019. While appealing potential punishment from the NFL, he signed with the Seahawks and appeared in three games before his appeal was denied, ultimately leading to an eight-game suspension.

Back in March, Seattle decided to re-sign Kendricks to a one-year deal despite uncertainty about his playing status going into 2019. Since then, the hearing has now been postponed four additional times, allowing him to start all 10 games for the Seahawks, producing 49 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and an interception.

While Kendricks could still serve time and his sentencing awaits, this latest news all but assures he’ll be able to suit up for at least the rest of the season and playoff games. As of now, his playing future won’t be decided until February at the earliest.