A judge ordered former San Ysidro High School basketball star Mikey Williams to make no further social media posts about his impending trial on felony gun charges on Friday after the deputy district attorney asked that his bail be increased to $500,000 because of what he deemed a threatening post.
There were several other developments in a case that has gained national attention:
- A spokesperson from Puma, which signed Williams to an endorsement contract as a high school junior, told the Union-Tribune that its relationship with him has “ended” following his arrest in April for allegedly firing a gun into an occupied vehicle.
- His new co-counsel is Randy M. Grossman, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney and is the board of trustees chairman for the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego.
- A jury trial has been provisionally set to start Dec. 14, with a member of Williams’ camp saying the hope is to play basketball for the University of Memphis this season.
Williams had three additional felony charges added to the previous six from a March 27 incident at the hilltop home he purchased last year in Jamul. Two of the counts are for threatening to shoot late-night visitors to the 3,500-square-foot home, and the other seven for allegedly firing a handgun at a Tesla Model 3 with six occupants, none of whom was injured.
The arraignment was initially scheduled for Tuesday. When Williams and his attorney appeared that day via Microsoft Teams, Judge Kathleen Lewis ordered them to appear in person Friday based on the severity of the charges. Williams pleaded not guilty to all nine counts that carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
Rap lyrics and social media posts
What figured to be a routine arraignment became a debate about the meaning of rap lyrics that the Internet sensation — Williams once had 3.8 million Instagram followers and his TikTok videos generated more than 300 million views — posted Oct. 10, a few hours after a different El Cajon Superior Court judge ruled in a preliminary hearing that his case could proceed to trial.
Williams posted a TV news clip from the hearing with a caption of lyrics from rapper Rylo Rodriguez: “Say the judge and DA (messing with) his head, just stay afloat.”
They are from a song, “Ah Never Be the Same.” The explicit lyrics discuss shooting and killing and include the line “keep your mouth closed.” The post has since been deleted.
Deputy District Attorney George Modlin referenced incidents from the preliminary hearing, when one witness claimed another tried to dissuade him from testifying in exchange for payment from Williams — allegations that Williams’ attorney denied. Modlin also asked the judge to monitor gestures and facial expressions from people in the viewing gallery that could be interpreted as intimidation toward witnesses.
On Friday, Modlin asked that bail be increased from its current $50,000 to $500,000, which likely would have sent Williams to jail until he could post the elevated amount.
“The fact that he chose this specific song and the nature of this song echoes greatly, especially since we’re dealing with possible witness intimidation and tampering,” Modlin argued. “This song deals with a gentleman who will shoot people up and dissuade people from testifying.
“We are dealing with a case in which Mr. Williams is alleged to have fired anywhere from six to seven shots at a nearby vehicle that was filled with six people. It talks about all they had to do is stay at home and keep their mouth shut.”
Troy P. Owens, Williams’ attorney, argued that the lyrics merely expressed Williams’ frustration that the case was proceeding to trial, nothing more.
“To be honest, that would mess with anyone’s head, which is exactly what he posted,” Owens told the court. “He said the judge and DA, by way of what just happened in court, were messing with his head and he has to stay afloat. That is all Mr. Williams posted. He did not make any threats to anyone. He did not name anyone.”
Lewis, who presided over Friday’s arraignment but not the Oct. 10 preliminary hearing, did not increase Williams’ bail. She instead admonished Williams and ordered him to refrain from further social media posts about the case.
“I think it’s an unwise decision, Mr. Williams, what you did,” Lewis said. “But I don’t think it’s a sufficient change of circumstances (to warrant increased bail). … I understand the argument, but I think that it was just a stupid thing that Mr. Williams did.”
Lewis set a trial date of Dec. 14.
Basketball future, endorsements in doubt
Memphis issued a statement last month confirming Williams is taking online classes remotely for the fall semester but won’t be allowed to join the basketball team until his legal issues are resolved. Preseason practice began in late September, and the season opener is Nov. 6. The Tigers have nine games before Williams’ trial is scheduled to begin.
“We have full support from the university,” said Pat McCain, Williams’ uncle and business manager.
Asked if the 6-foot-3 guard could still play for the Tigers this season, McCain said: “Oh yeah. It depends on the outcome of this trial. We’re confident that we’re going to come out on the top side. We are. We’re very confident. We’re going through a process, and in the process anything could happen. But we’re very optimistic we’ll be playing basketball.”
McCain was wearing a black Puma track suit and hat, despite Puma saying its relationship ended with Williams “earlier this year.”
“Loyal to the soil,” McCain said. “I’m wearing Puma for a reason. They gave the family an opportunity, and I appreciate it. There’s always a relationship. Let’s just say the relationship is not the same due to events. But there will always be a relationship.”
McCain said Williams other endorsements are “on hold.”
“Once the trial is over, we’ll address any branding opportunities,” McCain said. “We’re not seeking any branding opportunities or anything like that. … I mean, they still come in. We still have people who are looking to align themselves with him. At this point, it’s just smart for us to focus on what’s at hand.”
Grossman, who is also a certified Major League Baseball agent and professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, brings a high-profile presence to Williams’ legal team. Grossman declined comment Friday.
“Troy (Owens) has done an outstanding job,” McCain said. “I mean, a wonderful job. The family is very pleased with him thus far. We have zero complaints. This is just a move where, considering the circumstances, we just have to make sure we have all options covered. It’s like a security blanket.”
