Notes: Detroit Lions LB Trevor Bates pleads not guilty to 4 charges

Just over two weeks ago, Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Bates was arrested after refusing to pay a late-night cab fare in New York. After being taken into the station, Bates got into a confrontation with a police officer and punched the cop, leaving him with a concussion and a wound that required stitches.

Bates has since been in the psychiatric ward of the hospital, and on Tuesday he pled not guilty to charges of assault, resisting arrest, theft of services and obstruction of governmental administration.

The Lions have not made a transaction regarding Bates, who is signed through the 2019 season. However, they released a statement saying they are still in the process of gathering information.

Meanwhile, friends and family of Bates are deeply concerned over his behavior, stating through his agent that these actions are not consistent with his normal disposition.

The next hearing for Bates is on March 8, and according to the Associated Press, Bates could be facing up to seven years in prison.

• At least one measure, Darius Slay has been the best cornerback in the NFL since entering the league:

• Doug Kyed of NESN.com believes that the trade for Kyle Van Noy is the biggest Patriots steal of the Bill Belichick era.

• Since we checked in with Eric Ebron today (and Kyle Van Noy), let’s check in on another former Lion. Vikings left tackle Riley Reiff is apparently not working out so hot in Minnesota. The Star Tribune is reporting that the Vikings are considering moving Reiff inside to guard.

• When Barry Sanders calls you promising, you know you’ve got something special, Kerryon Johnson:

• Former Colts receiver Reggie Wayne thinks Kenny Golladay has a bright, bright future.