Mateen Cleaves Reportedly Released on Bond After Sexual Assault Charge | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Sarah Rodriguez Former Michigan State and NBA basketball player Mateen Cleaves was charged Tuesday in connection with an alleged sexual assault following an incident in September.
TMZ reported on Wednesday morning that "Cleaves was arraigned in his sexual assault case...and was ultimately released on bond." TMZ added "the judge let Cleaves out on a $150,000 personal recognizance bond—which means he promised to show up to the next hearing...and if he doesn't, he'll be forced to pay $150k."
The Detroit News first reported on Tuesday that the charges against Cleaves include unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual penetration, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
"The evidence in this case will show that the alleged actions of this defendant were not only criminal but arose out of a sense of entitlement sometimes found in prominent people," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement.
The News reported details about the alleged encounter between Cleaves and a 24-year-old woman:
According to Worthy's office, Cleaves and a group went to a local bar after the golf outing to have drinks. At 1 a.m. Sept. 15, the group left the bar. The prosecutor's office said the woman left with Cleaves in his car, thinking they would return to the golf club.
Cleaves allegedly then took the woman to a motel located in the 2400 block of West Grand Blanc in Mundy Township and held her there against her will. He then is accused of sexually assaulting her.
Cleaves starred at Michigan State across four seasons starting in 1996-97. The point guard was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2000 Final Four after the Spartans captured their second national championship with a victory over Florida.
He was selected 14th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2000 NBA draft and spent parts of six seasons in the league. He also played in the D-League and overseas before his playing career ended in 2009.
Since then, Cleaves has had stints working as an analyst for Fox Sports Detroit and CBS Sports Network. He's also branched out into the music business as a manager.