NEW YORK (AP) — Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates is undergoing a psychological evaluation at a New York City hospital after his weekend arrest on charges accusing him of punching a police officer after failing to pay a taxi fare
Jake Rudock Jersey , his agent said Monday.The evaluation is delaying Bates' arraignment on charges including assault, resisting arrest and theft of services, authorities said."Following his incident in New York on Saturday, our client Trevor Bates was taken to an area hospital where he remains as he undergoes testing and a mental health evaluation," agent Jeff Jankovich said in a statement. Bates, 25, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Saturday at a hotel near LaGuardia Airport after allegedly refusing to pay a $32 cab fare for a ride from Manhattan.Police say they were ready to let Bates go with an appearance ticket if he didn't have any outstanding warrants. Bates refused to be fingerprinted and punched a sergeant in the face, police said.Sgt. James O'Brien, who was socked as he tried to calm Bates down
Danny Amendola Jersey , suffered a concussion and needed stitches over his left eye, police said. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Bates was subdued with a stun gun and taken to a hospital.Jankovich said Bates' 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.""At this time our priority is to ensure that Trevor receives the help he needs and that the privacy of the parties involved be respected," Jankovich said."We take this situation very seriously and express concern for Sergeant O'Brien and the members of the New York City Police Department," he added.A police union said in a tweet that Bates was worse than a "wild animal," drawing criticism from police reform activists who see the language as racist and dehumanizing."Trevor Bates acted beyond that of a wild animal," the Sergeants Benevolent Association said in the tweet, which also described the player as "dog crap" and alleged the NFL "condones criminals."Bates, who's from Maine and played college football at the University of Maine
Trey Flowers Jersey , joined the Lions last year and appeared in nine games. He was drafted in 2016 by the Indianapolis Colts and was on the practice squads of the New England Patriots and New York Giants.Lions general manager Bob Quinn said the team is aware of Bates' arrest but had no further comment.If convicted, Bates faces up to seven years in prison.The Cheat Sheet: Is this the last shot for Lions to salvage the season? The entire division feels like it’s been on a roller coaster through the first month. The Bears are out in front, the Packers and Vikings actually tied a game, and the Lions are dead last, but haven’t even played a division foe.As rough of a start as it’s been for the Lions, a win on Sunday would go a long way toward keeping their playoff hopes alive.Right now, Football Outsiders puts the Lions at about a seven percent chance of making the playoffs. The Packers, with a 2-1-1 record, stand at about 61 percent chance. The divisional match this Sunday could swing the Lions back into contention or bury them into NFC North basement.The matchup to watch this week will be the Lions receivers vs. the Packers secondary. The Packers have spent the last two drafts trying to shore up a once depleted secondary. But they’ve allowed 874 yards through the air over the first month
Damon Harrison Jersey , 90 percent of which were given up in the first three games. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsThis means before they met rookie Josh Allen last week, they were giving up over 260 passing yards per game.The Lions should be able to attack the Packers through the air. Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay are the only trio of teammates to each record 50+ receiving yards in every game this season.Opponent snapshotThere won’t be many surprises between these two teams as they face off this week. The Packers still run through Aaron Rodgers, although their new-look defense under Mike Pettine took a big step forward last week, shutting out the Bills completely. The Packers have been hindered with injuries the last few weeks and could be vulnerable in spots because of it. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsPackers’ biggest threat Aaron RodgersThis almost goes without saying. Without Rodgers in the lineup, the Packers become a middle of the pack team. With him, they’re an instant playoff contender.Rodgers is still nursing a sprained MCL, but he’s been gradually improving every week. The Lions’ best chance at containing him will be to create pressure up the middle. Forcing Rodgers to stay in the pocket rather than create off-script will be key for a Lions defense looking to get off the mat after last week in Dallas.Photo by Leon Halip/Getty ImagesPackers’ weak linkWide receiverThe Packers are heading into Sunday with the possibility of missing three of their top receivers. If Randall Cobb
Ricky Jean Francois Jersey , Geronimo Allison, and Davante Adams can’t suit up that will leave the Packers with a combination of J’Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. You can also expect a heavy dose of Ty Montgomery in the slot or out of the backfield, as well as help from Jimmy Graham. Although he’s also dealing with a knee injury. None of that is great, but If anyone can make a cast of rookies look like all pros it’s Aaron Rodgers.Bottom lineThis is a true toss up game to me. Both teams have clear strengths and weaknesses. I have no logical reason to believe the Lions will pull this off, but the Lions tend to play the Packers tough at home and a win will give them a good feeling heading into the bye week.PredictionLions 22 Packers 20