IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign Eastern Michigan OL Richard Bates

January 3, 2024 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers continue to build the foundation with the signing of Eastern Michigan offensive lineman Richard Bates.

"Richard is a smooth moving, athletic offensive lineman that plays with a mean streak," said Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He has a well built frame and has true center/guard flexibility."

Bates was sold after his conversation with Keefe.

"He said they needed some guys who love football like me," said Bates. "I just want to take this opportunity and make the most of it."

In his final season at Eastern Michigan, Bates started 12 games that included a road win at Arizona State and the Idaho Potato Bowl win over San Jose State, the school's first bowl victory since 1987.

Bates' personal shining moment came during his second year when the Chips played at Louisiana Lafayette in front of friends and family. The night before the game, Bates addressed the team and was given the honor of carrying out "The Wrench" onto the field before kickoff.

"The person who has exemplified the most perseverance and has overcome adversity gets to do it," said Bates. "That whole weekend was special for me. My family members getting to see me play was pretty overwhelming."

The notion of life lessons through sports was real at Eastern Michigan. Following the murder of George Floyd, players wanted to make a difference. Linebacker Tariq Speights was the point man to join forces with players from the University of Michigan

"That was a big thing at that time because there wasn't a whole lot of that going on," said Bates. "We did marches for Black Lives Matter and feeding homeless people, literally buying meals. It was influential and inspirational."

Prior to his stop in Ypsilanti, Bates spent two years at Independence Community College in Kansas, the focus of the third and fourth season of the Netflix series "Last Chance U." The latter season resulted in a 2020 Emmy Award for Outstanding Serialized Sports Documentary.

"That show focused more on the entertainment side so when you're about business, they're not going to show you that much," said Bates. "But I was on the show a couple of times. I was just about working and getting down to business."

As he takes the next steps of his career, Bates looks to get better every day.

"I have to improve my anchor a little bit," said Bates. "Good hands, good footwork, speed and athleticism. Just anchoring and being a brick wall."

In joining the Panthers, Bates not only gets an opportunity to develop his game, but also a chance to play for a championship franchise. The prospect of winning another ring was a big factor in signing with the Panthers.

"My mom and I were talking about me having a ring from every level I've played football," said Bates. "I like to win and be around a winning culture. When I see a good fit like the Panthers, I don't see a reason to not jump on it."



Indoor Football League Stories from January 3, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central