Trent Richardson had good reason to avoid that hole

First, the Cleveland Browns didn't want him because he couldn't hit the hole. Then, the Indianapolis Colts didn't want him because he couldn't hit the hole. 

Now, following the Oakland Raiders' 18-3 victory in their first preseason matchup against the Rams, once again concern is being raised that running back Trent Richardson might be gaining a reputation.

Thanks largely to video and freeze-frames across the internet the day after the game that seem to show him choosing to follow the flow of the formation to the overcrowded right side when a gaping hole had opened to the left side with the end zone in sight.

Richardson carried for no gain on that play, and finished with 18 yards on the night, but other angles seem to show the apparent touchdown may not have been so apparent. Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar was patrolling behind the line, unblocked, and looked to be assigned to any rushes up the middle. So whether Richardson had the easy touchdown most commentators thought he had is certainly up for debate.

But when a guy has a reputation for missing the hole, or for anything, which he has certainly gained on the evidence, it's hard to shake. It's easier to knock a guy than to explain why he made a single mistake on one play.