From Cricket Pitch to Courtroom: Former Bears Bowler Faces Serious Charges
A former professional cricketer, who once shared a dressing room with some of England's most celebrated players, has been charged with serious criminal offences including the theft of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon. Recordo Gordon, 34, an ex-bowler for Warwickshire County Cricket Club, was arrested by police in Birmingham earlier this month after a routine patrol escalated into a significant discovery.
The Arrest and Charges
The incident unfolded in the Erdington area of Birmingham, where officers from the West Midlands Police Op Skybridge team were conducting proactive patrols. They stopped a vehicle on Sutton Road which they suspected had been stolen. Upon searching the car, the officers made a concerning find: a machete was seized from inside the vehicle.
Gordon was subsequently arrested at the scene. A police spokesperson confirmed that a 34-year-old man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon. The former cricketer is scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court next month to answer the charges.
A Promising Cricket Career Cut Short
The charges mark a dramatic fall from grace for the Jamaican-born sportsman. Gordon moved to the UK at the age of seven and his talent for cricket was evident early on. He was identified by Warwickshire as a future prospect at just 15 years old and joined the club professionally at 20.
During his five-year tenure with Warwickshire between 2011 and 2016, Gordon was part of the successful Bears squad. He played alongside England legends Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott and contributed to the team's victories in the T20 Blast in 2014 and the One-Day Cup in 2016. His professional debut came in a 2013 match against Oxford, where he scored 15 runs and took three wickets.
Upon his departure from the club, Gordon expressed his gratitude, stating: 'I've thoroughly enjoyed the last five years representing my home county and playing with so many fantastic cricketers. I'd like to thank Warwickshire for giving me the opportunity to become a professional cricketer.' His most recent known involvement in the sport was a signing for Audley Cricket Club in Stoke-on-Trent in November 2020.
The case continues as authorities reaffirm their commitment to proactive policing across the city to target offenders and disrupt criminal activity.
