Why Emoni Bates was arrested on gun charges: Former No. 1 recruit charged after Michigan traffic stop

Author Photo
Emoni Bates
Getty Images

Former No. 1 overall recruit Emoni Bates has reportedly been arrested and faces felony charges in relation to a gun found in a car he was driving.

According to Detroit TV station WXYZ-TV, Bates — a Ypsilanti, Mich., native who transferred to hometown Eastern Michigan over the offseason — was pulled over Sunday evening by Superior Charter Township (Michigan) police after he failed to stop at an intersection.

Police reportedly discovered a handgun in a search of the car, resulting in his arrest. The Washtenaw County Jail had Bates listed as an inmate as of 12:41 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 19, but did not offer any information regarding his charges, bond information or scheduled court appearances.

Bates' attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN's Pete Thamel that a judge agreed at an arraignment hearing Monday to release Bates from jail on a personal recognizance bond. His next court date is set for Oct. 6.

WXYZ reports Bates, 18, faces two felony firearm charges

What charges does Emoni Bates face?

WXYZ reports that Bates faces charges of a concealed weapon and altering the ID of a firearm. Below are the penalties each felony carries in the state of Michigan:

Concealed carry

  • A person shall not carry a pistol concealed on or about his or her person, or, whether concealed or otherwise, in a vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person, without a license to carry the pistol as provided by law and if licensed, shall not carry the pistol in a place or manner inconsistent with any restrictions upon such license.
  • A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years, or by a fine of not more than $2,500.

Altering firearm ID

  • A person who shall willfully alter, remove, or obliterate the name of the maker, model, manufacturer's number, or other mark of identity of a pistol or other firearm, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than two years or fine of not more than $1,000.

Michigan penal code indicates Bates faces either time in jail or a fine related to his felonies, if convicted. That would result in jail time of up to seven years or a fine of up to $3,500 for both charges.

What's next for Emoni Bates?

Pete Thamel of ESPN has reported that — per Bates' lawyer Steve Haney — the basketball player was driving a borrowed car and the gun does not belong to him.

Per Michigan law, any person who has a firearm with an altered ID is presumed to have changed the ID themselves.

Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee has also issued a statement saying the school is aware of Bates' arrest. Via Tony Paul of The Detroit News:

As noted by The Athletic, the 2021-22 Eastern Michigan student-athlete handbook mandates any athlete “charged with a felony ... shall be suspended automatically from practice and playing privileges until the charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved.” It also mandates any athlete convicted or who pleads no contest “shall be permanently dismissed from the team.’’

The Eastern Michigan men's basketball team begins its season with an exhibition vs. Grand Valley on Oct. 27 before beginning the season proper on Nov. 7 vs. Wayne State.

*This story will be updated

Author(s)
Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News.