Sports fans were taken aback last week when it was announced that highly-touted basketball recruit Mikey Williams had been charged with assault. The high-school phenom was charged with five counts of assault with a deadly weapon from a March 27 shooting.

This unfortunate event has raised concern and highlights the importance of accountability among high-profile athletes. Their actions can have consequences not only for themselves but also for their teams and the community at large. However, the 18-year-old’s legal process is still ongoing, and it would be premature to make any judgments without due process. Through his lawyer, Troy P. Owens Jr., he has declared his innocence and intends to cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation fully.

Williams was released on a $50,000 bond Friday morning. He is looking at six months per charge if found guilty. In a statement, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said, “There was a verbal argument about guests in the house being asked to leave,’ reads the release. ‘Five people got into a car and as they were driving away, shots were fired. The car was hit, but no one was hurt.”

Williams’ lawyer responded, “During the aftermath of this disturbance, there were reports of shots being fired,’ Owens wrote. ‘Mr. Williams is alleged to match the description of the shooter. He has posted bond and looks forward to addressing any allegations against him using the established procedures in our justice system.”

Who is Mikey Williams?

If you follow high-school basketball, you have heard of Mikey Williams. The 6’2 guard from San Ysidro High School in California is considered one of the top prospects in the class of 2023. Before committing to Memphis, Williams was recruited by multiple top-tier programs, including Kansas and USC, according to ESPN.

As one of the most famous high-school stars in recent memory, Williams has amassed  3.8 million Instagram followers, 2.1 million followers on TikTok and his highlights have garnered millions of views on YouTube. He also became the first high school basketball player ever to sign a multi-million dollar shoe deal with Puma.

Williams was a shoo-in for the McDonald’s All-American Game, but academic issues prevented him from participating.

Many hope the incident is only a minor blemish in the young athlete’s promising career. It would be unfair to jump to any conclusions about Mikey Williams’ recent assault accusations before the ongoing investigation has run its course, and it is essential to remember that he is innocent until proven guilty.

Read the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.

Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up.