Subscribe
Follow Us
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was arrested over the weekend while in New York. Taken into custody for not paying his cab fare, the Lions defender then reportedly became incredibly aggressive and violent while being taken into custody by police.
Bates is even being accused of punching an officer.
“We are aware of the arrest of Trevor Bates earlier today in New York,” Lions general manager Bob Quinn said in a statement on Saturday, via USA Today. “We have not spoken to Trevor as of yet and are still in the process of gathering more information. The Detroit Lions will have no further comment at this time.”
As a result of the weekend incident, Bates has since started undergoing a mental health evaluation, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Here’s the full statement on Lions LB Trevor Bates. Obviously, he wasn’t in a good place over the weekend. Hopefully he gets the help he needs. pic.twitter.com/s0Jjox3rfm
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 28, 2019
However, this incident has gotten even deeper with Joo-Hyun Kang, the director of Communities United for Police Reform, stating that the police union's comments about Bates are racist. The following was tweeted after the arrest.
Trevor Bates acted beyond that of a wild animal. He refused to be fingerprinted, showed disdain for the officers & decided to punch a Sgt in the face. Fighting with officers he was tasered & ripped the taser prongs from his body. He’s dog crap and the NFL condones criminals. https://t.co/sAd9rMKWHb
— SBA (@SBANYPD_Archive) January 26, 2019
“If the allegations against Bates, including not paying his cab fare are true, he should be held accountable. But the constant use by NYPD unions of racist dog whistles to dehumanize and criminalize black communities must be condemned and end,” Kang said, via the New York Times.
The 25-year-old Bates was originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Maine. He has also suited up for the New York Giants and New England Patriots in addition to the Colts and Lions.
