Mikey Williams, a highly touted basketball prospect who had committed to play for Memphis in the upcoming season, was arrested on Thursday in Jamul, California, on suspicion of multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Williams, who is 18 years old, was reportedly charged with five felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon. However, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department clarified that he would likely only face one charge.
According to ESPN:
There are multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon against Williams, according to police documents, but he is likely to face one charge, per San Diego Sheriff’s Department Lt. Gavin Lanning. Williams is accused of violating California penal code Chapter 9, Section 245(a)(2), which involves “any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm.” The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison.
In response to the news, Memphis released a statement acknowledging that they were aware of the situation and seeking further information. Williams is scheduled to appear in court on April 20, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Williams had gained widespread attention and a massive social media following in recent years due to his on-court skills, which were regularly showcased in highlight videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. He had signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Puma, making him the first American high school basketball player to secure such a contract.
Despite his promising future, the charges against Williams may have serious implications for his basketball career. He is considered one of the top prospects in the class of 2023, ranked 31st nationally by Rivals. However, it remains to be seen how his legal situation will impact his ability to play for Memphis or any future teams.
