UCLA Defensive Back Charged with Battery

UCLA defensive back Ishmael Adams was charged today with misdemeanor battery in connection with an altercation with an Uber driver Aug. 30, according to the City Attorney’s Office.

Adams is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 16 at the Airport Courthouse.

The District Attorney’s Office previously declined to file felony charges against Adams, who was originally arrested on suspicion of stealing a cell phone from the Uber driver. He was reinstated to the Bruins football team when prosecutors declined to pursue felony charges. He had been suspended following his arrest, causing him to miss the first three games of the season.

When Adams was reinstated, Coach Jim Mora said Adams had shown remorse and “accepted responsibility.”

UCLA athletics spokesman Steve Rourke told City News Service the university was not planning to make a statement in response to the misdemeanor case and that Adams remains an active member of the team.

Adams, 21, was arrested by UCLA campus police about 3:35 a.m. Aug. 30, and was booked on suspicion of robbery. He posted bail of $100,000 and was released early on Sept. 1.

Adams started all 26 games for the Bruins in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He returned two intercepted passes for touchdowns in 2014, tying the school record. He also scored a touchdown on a 100-yard kickoff return against Arizona State. Adams led UCLA with four interceptions in 2013.

Adams is a graduate of Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village. Adams’ father, Stefon, played defensive back for the Los Angeles Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins from 1986-90.

City News Service; Ishmael Adams, courtesy UCLA