TAMPA
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Lionel Gates, a member of the
practice squad last season, was arrested by Hillsborough County
deputies overnight and charged with battery on a pregnant woman and
burglary, according to Hillsborough County sheriff deputies.

Gates, 25, a 6-foot, 233-pound running back, kicked in the door of
28-year-old Peggie Lavender’s apartment about 11:30 p.m. Thursday,
authorities said. Inside, Gates destroyed a large-screen television and
another television set, broke two interior doors and put a hole in a
bedroom wall, authorities said.

Gates then hit Lavender, who is pregnant, in the face and pushed her into a wall, deputies said.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Debbie Carter said the two had dated in the
past, but were not currently involved. They lived in the same apartment
complex.

Gates faces charges of armed burglary of an occupied residence,
battery on a pregnant female and criminal mischief of $1,000 or more.

The Bucs signed Gates from the Buffalo Bills in September.