Mikey Williams faces gun charge in Memphis basketball recruitment

Photo Credit: ClutchPoints

Mikey Williams, a highly rated basketball prospect set to attend Memphis next season, was arrested on Thursday in San Diego on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

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Williams was taken into custody on five felony counts of dangerous weapon assault, but he will likely only be charged with one. On a $50,000 bail, he was released.

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Memphis, Williams' future team, released a statement saying that they are aware of the situation and gathering more information.

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Williams has a massive social media following, including 3.8 million Instagram followers, 2.1 million TikTok followers, and lucrative endorsement deals, including a sneaker contract with Puma.

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Williams and his high school teammate J.J. Taylor committed to play for Memphis as part of a highly acclaimed six-man recruiting class that is ranked third in the country.

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Williams, who is ranked 31st nationally by Rivals, is the most highly regarded player in his class. No details about the alleged incident have been released.

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Williams is charged with breaking Chapter 9, Section 245(a)(2) of the California Penal Code, which deals with "any person who commits an assault upon the person of another with a firearm." The maximum term for the offense is four years in prison.

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Williams' booking photo will not be released by the sheriff's office because by policy, they only release such photos "when there is an immediate threat to public safety."

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Williams' arrest is part of a larger trend of gun-related issues that have affected college basketball this year.

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