Former MSU Basketball Player Keith Appling Faces Felony Gun Charges After Strip Club Arrest
DETROIT (WWJ) - A former Michigan State University basketball player is facing weapon and drug charges after he was arrested at a strip club over the weekend.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said 24-year-old Keith Appling of Detroit is charged with one count of carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony; possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, a two-year misdemeanor; and possession of marijuana, a one-year misdemeanor.
Appling appeared with his mother and a long-time mentor during the arraignment.
Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf -- Appling's attorney, Cyril Hall, tells WWJ that this is a case of mistaken identity and says the marijuana charge should be dismissed.
"Oh no, we totally deny the marijuana, as a matter of fact, I just recommended that he get tested," said Hall. "He does not use marijuana. Let's be clear about that - he does not use marijuana."
According to his attorney Appling is licensed to carry and has never been in trouble with the law.
"He's saddened by the fact that he has the attention, he's saddened by the fact that these charges -- he's going to have to defend himself against, and that's his position in this matter, he feels that people are looking at him in a negative light and just wants to go back and continue to do positive things with his life," said Hall.
Appling, who played for the Spartans from 2010 to 2014, is currently playing in the NBA's development league.
Dearborn police found Appling at a club on Michigan Avenue after security said they saw him pull a gun from the trunk of a car in the parking lot.
After police allegedly found the gun in the car, along with some pot, Appling was arrested at the scene.
Unconfirmed reports described the weapon as an AK-47; Appling's attorney denies this.
A $5,000 personal bond was set at an arraignment in 19th District Court in Dearborn Wednesday afternoon.
Appling will be back in court for a probable cause conference on May 6, before Judge William Hultgren.