Atlanta United and U.S. men’s national team defender Miles Robinson was arrested on Saturday night on a charge of misdemeanor theft by taking, according to police records.
Robinson posted a $150 bond after the incident at PBR Atlanta, a bar near Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves home stadium.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the incident.
Pro Soccer Wire has obtained a copy of the police incident report, in which police say Robinson accused the bartender of racism after he refused to pay for a shot valued at $5.
“I was notified by security of a light-skinned black male that snatched a drink tray or shot from a bartender,” the incident report began. “Security requested to have the male escorted off the premises and criminally trespassed.”
The report continues:
Robinson once again began digging around in his pockets. I then conducted a pat down for weapons and officer safety. Robinson began pulling away from me. Robinson was then detained.
The manager stated that all Robinson had to do was pay for the drink that was taken and he could leave. The manager also requested that Robinson be criminally trespassed from PBR.
Detective Goduto then explained to Robinson that he could pay his bill of $5 and he would be free to leave. Robinson stated, “All this over five dollars bro…” Detective Goduto and I both explained that he just had to pay the bill. Robinson repeated, “all this over five dollars?” Robinson then stated that he was a soccer player and represented the city. With it being very loud in front of PBR. Detective Goduto and I escorted Robinson to my patrol vehicle.
I attempted to explain to him that he could just pay the $5 bill and he could leave. Robinson stated, “You only want to listen to the racist bartender, you aren’t going to listen to me.” I attempted to explain to Robinson that the bartender observed him take a shot and then walk away and alerted the managers. Robinson would not listen but stated that the situation was because he was the only black male inside of the bar.
Detective Goduto then explained to him that all he had to do was pay his bill and that if he did not pay the bill the manager wanted to press charges for theft. Robinson once again stated all this was over five dollars. Robinson did not indicate that he was going to pay the bill. Robinson was then taken into custody, searched incident to his arrest, and then transported to Cobb ADC (Adult Detention Center).
When contacted for comment, an Atlanta United spokesperson said: “We are aware of a recent misdemeanor arrest involving Miles Robinson. We are continuing to gather all information related to the incident and will not have further comment at this time.”
Robinson is currently recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in May. The 25-year-old had secured a starting center back role with the USMNT prior to the injury, which is likely to rule him out for the World Cup.
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