NEW YORK – Detriot Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was arraigned Tuesday from a psychiatric ward for punching a New York City police officer and refusing to pay a taxi fare.
The 25-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges including assault, resisting arrest, theft of services and obstruction of governmental administration.
Bates has been hospitalized since his January 26th arrest at a hotel near LaGuardia Airport after allegedly refusing to pay a $32 cab fare. He was arraigned via a video hookup Tuesday.
His lawyer said they are looking forward to “resolving this manner in an expeditious and satisfactory fashion.”
Police said they would have let Bates go with an appearance ticket if he did not have any outstanding warrants, but the linebacker refused to be fingerprinted and slugged a sergeant in the face.
Sgt. James O’Brien suffered a concussion and needed three stitches over his left eye, police said.
Police used a stun gun to subdue the 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker before taking him to a hospital.
Bates’ agent said that his alleged actions “are in no way a reflection of who he is as a person” and “not at all consistent with the man and friend we know him to be.”
Originally from Westbrook, Maine, Bates played college football at the University of Maine before joining the Lions last year, appearing in nine games.
He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016 and was on the practice squads of the New England Patriots and New York Giants. The Lions general manager Bob Quinn has said the team is aware of Bates’ arrest but had no further comment.
Bates’ bail was set at $5,000 cash. His next hearing is scheduled for March 8 and if convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)