Miles Bridges will rejoin Hornets after a domestic violence plea deal
Miles Bridges will return to the Charlotte Hornets next season on a one-year contract after ending a suspension for pleading not to contest domestic violence charges.
The 25-year-old Bridges had been a restricted free agent for the Hornets since June 2022, when he was expected to negotiate a maximum deal of $173 million over five years. But on June 29, 2022, he was arrested in Los Angeles, accused of beating the mother of his two children in front of the children. In November, he pleaded no contest to one domestic violence charge as part of a plea deal that included three years of probation but no jail time.
“I sincerely apologize for the pain, embarrassment and disappointment last year’s incident caused so many people,” Bridges said in a statement via the team on Friday, adding he was “grateful” to be given a second chance to play. He had been with the Hornets since they acquired him on a draft deal in 2018. His new one-year contract is worth $7.9 million, according to ESPN.
Bridges will have to sit out the first 10 games next season. The NBA suspended him for 30 games in April, but credited him for 20 for not playing last season. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver later told a group of sports editors that Bridges and the league had a “mutual understanding” that he would not play during the 2022-23 season, though he said the agreement did not include a suspension. However in February Bridges had told The Associated Press that he would return in March.
As part of his plea deal, Bridges was required to undergo a year of domestic violence counseling, complete 100 hours of community service and take parenting classes. The victim was also given a 10-year restraining order. Bridges initially faced several domestic violence and child abuse charges.
In the team’s statement Friday, Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said Bridges’ “dedication to counseling and community service” had played a role in Charlotte’s decision to bring him back.
“During this process, we took a measured and serious approach,” Kupchak said. He added of Bridges: “He has expressed remorse, indicated that he has learned from this situation and indicated that it will not happen again.”
Bridges said he had been in therapy and understood why people wondered if he deserved a second chance. He promised to regain everyone’s trust.
Without Bridges last season, the Hornets were the second worst team in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte’s best player, guard LaMelo Ball, also missed most of the season with injuries. The poor showing positioned the Hornets for a high draft pick, which they used on Alabama’s Brandon Miller at No. 2 overall.
Michael Jordan, the former Chicago Bulls great who has owned the Hornets since 2010, announced last month that he would sell his majority stake in the team but stay on as a minority investor.