The Charlotte Hornets had to hope that Miles Bridges put his troubles behind him when they offered the 6-6 forward a $7.9 million qualifying offer, which he signed. Allegedly, that is not the case. An arrest warrant and criminal summons were issued for Bridges this evening, according to Jessica Allen and Glenn Counts of wsoctv.com
Big Trouble For Miles Bridges As Warrant For His Arrest Issued, How Does It Affect Hornets?
WSOCTV.com’s report indicated that the warrant didn’t involve any new allegations of physical violence. WSOCTV said it was related to the violation of a protective order. The warrant dates back to January, but the Mecklenburg County (NC) Sheriff’s Deputies have been unable to serve it. A criminal summons was issued for Bridges on Wednesday.
Bridges is on probation for three years after pleading no contest to one felony count of injuring a child’s parent in November 2022. Bridges was accused of assaulting the mother of his children in front of them.
The warrant is reportedly based on a complaint alleging Bridges violated the protective order in January by showing up at his ex-girlfriend’s residence and smashing her windshield. The pair are currently involved in a custody battle, according to Allen and Counts.
Bridges’ probation stipulates that he has to adhere to a 10-year criminal protective order for the victim. He was also ordered to attend a year’s worth of domestic violence counseling sessions and parenting classes. Additionally, Bridges was given 100 hours of community service.
While all the details of the situation are unknown, this is not a good look for Bridges. After signing the Hornets qualifying offer this summer, the 25-year-old apologized for the “pain and embarrassment” the charge caused his family and others, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.
“A lot of people don’t get a second chance, and I want to use this second chance to prove to everyone that I’m the same kid you drafted five years ago,” Bridges said.
Bridges missed all of last season while the domestic violence case was ongoing. Bridges is suspended for the first 10 games as a result of the NBA’s own investigation of his incident. While he is in training camp with the Hornets, Bridges can also not play in preseason games.
How does Bridges Situations Affect the Hornets?
With so much unknown and no statements made by Bridges attorneys, the NBA, or the Hornets, it is hard to tell what will happen. But if Bridges is found to have violated his probation, the outcome doesn’t project to be good. Like in any case, the justice system will work slowly.
So, will the Hornets suspend Bridges and try to void his contract? Or will the NBA take the lead and suspend him for the entire season?
Charlotte was going to struggle this year anyway — the Hornets are ranked 30th in my power rankings — but I thought Bridges would help them immensely.
However, the Hornets waived Kai Jones earlier today. James Bouknight will likely miss the first month of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee.
The exile of Jones leaves the Hornets with 14 players on standard contracts. Bouknight and Bridges are unavailable for opening night, so theoretically, they will have just 12 healthy bodies. But the Hornets do have all three of their two-way spots filled.
Expect Charlotte to fill Jones’ spot and carry 15 players on opening night. The question is, with whom? Edmond Sumner is the most likely candidate unless the Hornets decide to scowl the free-agent market.
In camp on an Exhibit 9 deal, Sumner is a veteran guard who has improved as a shooter over the past few years. And the Hornets need to improve their backcourt depth. The Hornets have been looking for a backup point guard behind LaMelo Ball.
R.J. Hunter and Nathan Mensah are also players in training camp without a standard contract.
