NBA free agent and former Hornets forward Miles Bridges pleaded no contest to felony domestic violence charges.
Bridges was arrested back on June 29 following an altercation with his partner, then later released on bond. In July, Bridges originally pleaded not guilty to all three felony counts before ultimately accepting a plea deal with prosecutors.
Here is the latest on Bridges’ punishment, including what happens next with the NBA.
Miles Bridges news, updates: Plea deal, punishment
In November, Bridges was present in court and pleaded no contest, which means he was accepting punishment and conviction without formally admitting guilt.
As part of his deal, Bridges received three years probation but will not serve any jail time. His plea deal also requires the following during the course of his three-year probation:
Undergo 52 weeks of domestic counseling Undergo 52 weeks of parenting classes Serve 100 hours of community service Undergo weekly drug testing Pay $800 fine — $500 for domestic violence, $300 for restitution Cannot own any weapons or ammunition Obey 10-year protective restraining order from woman
Will Miles Bridges play this season?
As it stands, Bridges is not under contract with an NBA team, though he is now free to sign. Under terms of the NBA collective bargaining agreement and because he pleaded no contest, the league now has the right to fine, suspend, dismiss or disqualify Bridges from any further involvement with the NBA.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Dec. 23 that the Hornets and Bridges are “gathering traction in talks on a new deal” and there’s optimism an agreement could come soon.
Wojnarowski added that the sooner Bridges and Hornets reach a deal, the sooner he can “seemingly start serving an NBA suspension expected to be handed down for his role in an offseason domestic violence case.”
Miles Bridges contract
The No. 12 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bridges signed a four-year, $16.3 million contract with the Hornets.
On Oct. 3, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Hornets and Bridges allowed his qualifying offer to expire. This means that Bridges can no longer return to the team this season for the $7.9 million qualifying offer that was extended to make him a restricted free agent.
Miles Bridges arrest details
TMZ reported that Bridges turned himself in to the LAPD following an argument with a woman that turned physical.
Police were called to the scene, but Bridges was gone by the time law enforcement had arrived, TMZ reported. The woman required medical attention, per TMZ, but the extent of her injuries was unclear.
After being charged with felony domestic violence, Bridges was released on $130,000 bond, according to LA Sheriff’s Department records. If convicted, he may serve time in a California state prison.
On July 19, the Los Angeles County district attorney said Bridges is facing three felony domestic violence charges — one count of injuring a child’s parent and two counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death.
“Domestic violence creates physical, mental and emotional trauma that has a lasting impact on survivors,” District Attorney George Gascon said. “Children who witness family violence are especially vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable.”
Bridges pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on July 20, per ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. On Oct. 12, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes that Bridges had his case continued until Oct. 17.
With Bridges being a free agent, it’s unclear what his standing is with the NBA as the legal process plays out.
The NBA’s Domestic Violence Policy says the following:
Bridges was one of the top players in the free-agent market in the offseason. He spent the first four years of his career with the Hornets.
Hornets statement on Miles Bridges
The team issued a statement on June 30 that said: “The Charlotte Hornets are aware of the situation involving Miles Bridges. We are in the process of gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time.”
The Hornets then issued the following statement on July 19:
Mychelle Johnson, partner of Miles Bridges, shares photos on Instagram after alleged attack
A couple of days after Bridges was arrested, his partner, Mychelle Johnson, released the following statement on Instagram:
Johnson also shared images of injuries she had sustained and a medical report that said she was an “adult victim of physical abuse by male partner.”
The Sporting News will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as they become available.
