Emoni Bates suspended by Eastern Michigan basketball following arrest on gun charges

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan suspended basketball star Emoni Bates Monday afternoon following his arrest on two felony gun charges.

“We are aware of a situation involving men’s basketball student-athlete Emoni Bates,” EMU’s statement read. “Eastern Michigan University takes all allegations of this nature very seriously. Per department policy, he has been suspended automatically from practice and playing privileges until the legal process is resolved. Because this is an on-going legal matter, the University will have no further comment at this time.”

Bates was arrested Sunday evening in Superior Township on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and altering the identity of a firearm, court records show.

He was arraigned by Washtenaw County District Court Magistrate Elisha Fink on Monday and pled not guilty to the charges.

Bates received a personal bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on Oct. 6.

Deputies stopped Bates’ vehicle at 10:43 p.m. Sept. 18, after he failed to stop at the intersection of Nottingham Drive and Clark Road in Superior Township, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Derrick Jackson said.

During the stop, a firearm was discovered in the vehicle, and Bates was taken into custody, Jackson said.

If Bates is convicted, the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon is up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine and the penalty for altering a firearm is 2 years in prison and a $1,000 fine.

Bates committed to play for Eastern Michigan on June 29 after transferring from Memphis.

He was the No. 1 overall high school basketball recruit for the 2022 class before reclassifying to the 2021 class and signing with Memphis.

The Ypsilanti native played in 18 games and averaged 9.7 points on 38% shooting for the Tigers as a freshman last year.

Prior to college, Bates was named the National Gatorade Player of the Year, Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year twice and earned Associated Press Player of the Year honors in Michigan in two seasons at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School.

He played his final season of high school at Ypsi Prep Academy, which was created by his father, Elgin.

A message seeking comment has been left with Bates’ attorney Steve Haney.

EMU scheduled to play an exhibition game against Grand Valley State in Oct. 27 and will face Wayne State in its regular season opener on Nov. 7.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.