Mikey Williams’ legal issues may soon be behind him.
Williams, a Memphis basketball signee, pleaded guilty to a single count of making criminal threats in connection to his nine gun-related felony charges, per Fox 5 San Diego. He pleaded not guilty to all other charges, including five for assault with a deadly weapon and one for firing into an occupied vehicle.
His charges stem from an incident at his (San Diego, Calif.) home back in March. The 6-foot-3 guard allegedly shot at a moving car filled with six people—including three minors—as it was driving away from the house. If convicted, he could’ve possibly spent up to 30 years in state prison. The initial news release distributed to the public on April 12 states “there was a verbal argument about guests being asked to leave” and that Williams hit the car but nobody was hurt. His trial was scheduled for Dec. 14.
He instead now enters a plea deal where he’ll have to complete gun safety and anger management courses by his sentencing date—Aug. 12, 2024. Williams’ felony charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor if he completes the courses on time.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway has maintained his endorsement of Williams since his initial arrest in April. And with the 19-year-old now avoiding trial, him being a Tiger this season or otherwise seems a lot more probable than before.
“This young man is obviously going through something and he hasn’t been found guilty of anything,” Hardaway said on Oct. 25. “So, we just have to continue to support him.”