Hornets’ Miles Bridges apologizes for ‘pain and shame’
April 13, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) is suspended after being called up for a technical foul and left out of the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Image: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges spoke of his year-long absence from the NBA by apologizing Tuesday for causing “pain and shame” after a domestic violence incident in which he was accused of assaulting the mother of his children in front of them.
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“I want to apologize to everyone for the pain and embarrassment I have caused everyone, especially my family,” Bridges said. “This year I usually prioritize going to therapy and being the best person I can be — someone my family and everyone here can be proud of.”
Bridges, 25, did not play last season after he was arrested in Los Angeles on June 29, 2022, on domestic violence charges and ultimately did not enter the contest while receiving three years probation. He was given a 30-game suspension by the NBA in April and must serve 10 games next season, with 20 of them credited for time awarded.
On July 7, the Hornets announced Bridges had signed a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. He will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer
In his first public comments since re-signing, Bridges vowed to mend his relationship with his teammates and the Charlotte community. He thanked the organization and the league for giving him a second chance, saying, “A lot of people don’t get a second chance, and I want to use this second chance to prove to everyone that I am the same kid you signed five years ago.
Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said the decision to re-sign Bridges was unanimous among members moving in and out of the ownership group and came after reviewing investigations by the Los Angeles Police Department and the NBA and taking into account the team’s five-year personal relationship with Bridges.
“You have to make a judgement, right?” Kupchak said. “Is this genuine regret? Is this genuine accountability? It’s not something that’s easy to judge. We weighed all those factors and finally gave him a second chance.”
The Michigan State product averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 80 games (all starts) in 2021-22 with the Hornets. In four seasons with the club, he averaged 13.4 points with 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 291 games (188 starts).
–Field Level Media
