NFL Linebacker Allegedly Bails on Cab Fare, Assaults Cop After Arrest
How does a virtually unknown NFL linebacker get increased name recognition during the offseason?
For Trevor Bates of the Detroit Lions, having his name splashed across headlines following an incident in which he allegedly attacked a New York City Police Department sergeant will do it.
Bates was arrested at around 3 a.m. Saturday morning in Queens after his cab driver told police that Bates wouldn’t pay his $32.06 fare, TMZ reported.
Bates claimed he didn’t have a card or cash on his person, law enforcement sources told TMZ. After he left, the driver reportedly called police, who arrived at Bates’ hotel and took him into custody.
While at the police station, Bates grew upset. “Bates was told that as long as there were no outstanding warrants, he would receive only a desk appearance ticket and be allowed to leave,” The Associated Press reported, citing Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. “The prosecutor said Bates refused to be fingerprinted and became increasingly agitated.”
“I want to punch you in the face,” he told an NYPD sergeant, according to TMZ.
Bates then allegedly punched the sergeant, James O’Brien, in the face, prompting police to use subdue him with a stun gun.
The linebacker “was charged with second-degree assault, obstructing governmental administration, theft of services and resisting arrest,” according to WABC.
O’Brien, meanwhile, was treated for a concussion, in addition to getting stitches over his eye.
Davis was taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation. He could be looking at seven years behind bars, law enforcement sources told the New York Daily News.
Lions general manager Bob Quinn released a statement acknowledging Bates’ arrest:
Bates is coming off his first season in Detroit, during which he played in nine games and had three tackles. He started the year on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in October.
The linebacker spent the 2017 season on the Giants’ practice squad after being released by the Patriots during the preseason.
Bates was a seventh-round draft pick by the Colts in 2016. He spent most of the season on the practice squad and appeared in one NFL game as a rookie.
A native of Maine, Bates also played at the University of Maine, where he made three All-Colonial Athletic Association teams.
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