UPDATED 10/14/22 9:35 a.m. ET: According to Emoni Bates’ lawyer, the gun charges against the rising Eastern Michigan star are set to be dismissed within the next week.
Per ESPN, attorney Steve Haney confirmed on Thursday that Bates is currently on his way to be reinstated by the university. He was under suspension for the past three weeks in connection with the felony charges, which are expected to be dropped on Wednesday in a Washtenaw County Circuit Court. A plea deal was negotiated with the Prosecutor’s office, and the guard will plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of attempted illegal transporation of a weapon.
"The Eastern Michigan University department of athletics has received notification that there is an agreement between the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office and Emoni Bates' defense team that would result in the felony charges being dismissed," reads a statement from the Eastern Michigan University confirming Bates' return to school activities. "In accordance with EMU athletics policies, Mr. Bates is immediately reinstated to all athletic and campus activities."
See original story below.
Eastern Michigan University guard Emoni Bates, who recently transferred from the Memphis Tigers, has been arrested on a pair of gun charges.
As reported by WXYZ, Bates was pulled over on Sunday (Sept. 18) after officers noticed he did not stop at an intersection. When he was pulled over, Washtenaw County officers allegedly discovered a firearm in the vehicle and charged Bates with one charge of carrying a concealed weapon, and one charge of altering the identification marks on a weapon.
In a statement provided to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel, the 18-year-old player’s lawyer Steve Haney said his client was borrowing the car he was traveling in. “Reserve judgement on this,” he said. “There’s way more to the story. He borrowed someone’s car, was pulled over and a gun was located in the car.”
Earlier this year, Bates attracted attention after he left Memphis for his hometown to play for Eastern Michigan. He initially committed to play at Michigan State, and was considered one of the top recruits in the country as he headed into his freshman year at Memphis.
“I love my city and coming home to do something special was big for me,” he said in a statement at the time. “I’ve known several of the guys on the team from playing together and competing. Having a strong relationship and bond with my teammates and coaching staff was important to me.”
Bates has court date scheduled for October 6, Haney said, per ESPN.
