Attorney For Emoni Bates Claims “There Is Way More To The Story”, Following His Arrest & Suspension
Former Memphis star Emoni Bates was reportedly arrested in Superior Township, Michigan on Sunday night. Bates’ arrest happened approximately two miles away from Eastern Michigan campus, after Sheriff’s deputies reportedly found a firearm inside of the vehicle he was driving in.
Public Information Officer Derrick Jackson told ESPN about the events that led to Bates’ arrest. According to Jackson, police officers “initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle which failed to stop” at an intersection. Bates was arraigned on Monday after being charged with carrying a concealed weapon and allegedly “altering ID marks” on a firearm. Bates’ attorney Steve Haney entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client.
Haney said that the judge agreed to a non-monetary personal recognizance bond enabling his client to be released from jail. Bates is due back in court on October 6th. Haney claims that the charges against his client resulted from Bates driving a borrowed car that had a gun inside, and asked for officials to “reserve judgment” in an official statement.
“There’s way more to the story. He borrowed someone’s car, was pulled over and a gun was located in the car,” Haney said. Bates can face potential imprisonment for “not more than 5 years” for the gun possession charge, according to the Michigan penal code. Bates could also face a fine of up to $2,500, along with two potential years in prison and an additional $1,000 fine for the “altering ID marks” on a firearm charge.
Bates has been suspended, according to a statement issued by Eastern Michigan on Monday.
“We are aware of a situation involving men’s basketball student-athlete Emoni Bates,” the statement said. “Eastern Michigan University takes all allegations of this nature very seriously. Per department policy, he has been suspended automatically from practice and playing privileges until the legal process is resolved. Because this is an on-going legal matter, the University will have no further comment at this time.”
ESPN has more HERE.
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