Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins did not show up in court Tuesday for his brother’s bail hearing. He had provided the necessary $1 million in bail to secure his brother’s release, but that proved not to be enough for the court to release alleged Lake Boyz gang member Jari McMiller.
According to Levi Ismail of NBC 2, McMiller, Watkins’ brother, is being charged along with 20 others with felony racketeering. Watkins was supposed to attend the hearing, and without him there in person for cross-examination, state attorneys “have doubts if the bail money is clean from gang activity.”
“It’s really up to the satisfaction of the court whether or not the court is satisfied that these funds are free and clear of any illicit conduct,” said James Miller, assistant state attorney.
Both McMiller and his father swore under oath that the bail money is legitimate, with both saying it comes from the NFL.
Mike McQuagge, who represents athletes through his McQuagge Law Firm, has a hard time believing the state attorneys doubt the legitimacy of Watkins’ money.
“I know he’s staying with the Bills through the 2017 season and he got a $12 million signing bonus. So Sammy is well funded,” McQuagge said.
However, Judge Bruce Kyle stated that Watkins should have been well aware that his presence was required on Tuesday. Without Watkins there, Kyle would not rule on the case Tuesday and set no timetable.
“I’m surprised we don’t have Mr. Watkins here. You would think it was clear last time he should’ve been here,” Kyle said.
The next court date scheduled for McMillan comes in June, when he’ll have another hearing.