Lions' Bates arrested for refusing to pay cab fare, punching officer in face

Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was arrested Saturday in New York after refusing to pay his cab fare and assaulting a police officer.

Bates punched an officer in the face above the left eye, police told Rocco Parascandola and Thomas Tracy of the New York Daily News. The police sergeant suffered a concussion and needed three stitches.

"We are aware of the arrest of Trevor Bates earlier today in New York," Lions general manager Bob Quinn said in a statement. "We have not spoken to Trevor as of yet and are still in the process of gathering more information. The Detroit Lions will have no further comment at this time."

Bates refused to be fingerprinted and was taken to hospital by police to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He is facing a felony charge for assaulting an officer, theft, and resisting arrest.

The 25-year-old played sparingly during the 2018 season, recording three tackles.

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