Miles Bridges has not set foot on an NBA court this season after he was arrested last summer on domestic violence charges in Los Angeles, although Charlotte retained the rights due to a qualifying offer (he is not getting paid by the team). Bridges pled no contest to avoid admitting guilt but had probation and considerable community service to do. Plus, the NBA was investigating the situation, and he is expected to face a lengthy suspension once he signs with the Hornets (or anyone else as a free agent).
Bridges, however, sounded confident he would be back this season.
“It’s been a long process,” Bridges told the Associated Press Tuesday during a Michigan State home game. “I might be back in March.”
Don’t bet on it.
Bridges’ comments imply the NBA’s investigation is nearing an end. However, Charlotte has not signed him to a contract extension beyond this season, and after moves at the trade deadline to cement they are tanking to secure a spot in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. It’s hard to imagine Charlotte taking on what would be a considerable public relations backlash to bring back their leading scorer from last season and win some games down the stretch, potentially hurting their draft position. Bridges likely signs with a team over the summer, maybe Charlotte, but it’s difficult to imagine the Hornets bringing him on this season.
There has been no comment from the Hornets as of this point. Bridges averaged 20.2 points and seven rebounds a game last season.
The charges Bridges pled no contest to three months were very serious. Mychelle Johnson, the mother of Bridges’ children, detailed her case in a July 1 Instagram post where she said, “I can’t be silent anymore. I’ve allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life.” The post contained detailed medical reports of multiple injuries and a video of their son recounting an incident where “daddy choked mommy.” As part of his plea agreement, Bridges has to complete 52 weeks of parenting classes, 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and 100 hours of community service.
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Hornets’ Miles Bridges says ‘I might be back in March’ originally appeared on NBCSports.com
