Miles Bridges was expected to be signing a contract worth over $100 million this offseason. After having a breakout 2021-22 season where Bridges averaged over 20 points and was the lead scorer on the Charlotte Hornets, many rightfully expected him to be a part of the Hornets’ young core alongside LaMelo Ball.
At the start of free agency, it was reported that Bridges had been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, with his wife sharing a full story of his violent acts against her in front of their children. She also had photographs with bruises to prove Bridges was abusive with her. As a result, the Hornets pulled the basic qualifying offer for Bridges, making him an unrestricted free agent with no offers.
Bridges has officially been charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
Felony charges filed against Charlotte Hornets' Miles Bridges for domestic violence, child abuse – via @ESPN App https://t.co/we82ydbr93
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 20, 2022
District Attorney George Gascon said his office filed one felony count of injuring a child’s parent and two felony counts of child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death. According to the DA’s release, the case “includes an allegation of causing great bodily injury on the domestic violence victim.” The DA’s release noted that the children were present for the alleged assault but did not otherwise specify what the child abuse counts stemmed from.
Bridges was arrested June 29 by Los Angeles police and was later released on $130,000 bond. (h/t ESPN)
His NBA career is almost certainly over after these actions, with a massive PR nightmare for any team that decides to sign him. There is no place for violence in the NBA, let alone violence against women or child abuse, so most players may also prefer not having someone like Miles in the locker room.
His rising career has been met with a brick wall. Hopefully, anyone hurt by his actions can find the help that they require.
