Felony charges against former top recruit Emoni Bates to be dismissed

According to his lawyer, the felony charges will be dropped next week.

Attorney Steve Haney said in a phone interview on Thursday that the university, athletic department and president are trying to get Bates back. He was suspended for three weeks due to the felony charges.

The felony charges against the man are set to be dismissed on Wednesday.

In exchange for the dismissal of felony charges, he has negotiated a plea deal. There is a charge of attempted illegal transportation of a weapon. Upon completion of a diversion program, it will be completely thrown out.

According to Eastern Michigan University sources, Bates has been cleared to return to athletics practice and is currently in the process of being cleared to return to class.

He is expected to return to campus today to resume his studies and basketball career. The matter has been resolved so Emoni can rejoin his teammates.

The man was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and having altered ID marks. On the next day, a plea of not guilty was entered for the man.

According to Haney, the arrest happened after a routine traffic stop when he was driving a borrowed car that had a gun.

According to the police report, a black car ran a stop sign and was stopped by the sheriff's office. A gun was found under the driver's seat after a search of the vehicle, according to the report. The gun had a serial number under it.

He was considered one of the best basketball players in the country during his high school career, but he reclassified last summer and ended up in the top three.

After committing to Michigan State in the summer of 2020, he reopened his recruitment in the spring of 2021.

After one season with the Tigers, he transferred back home to Eastern Michigan.

Myron Medcalf was a contributor.