The NBA announced on Saturday that Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges has been suspended for 30 games without pay for his involvement in a domestic violence incident that took place in June 2022. The league’s decision comes after a comprehensive investigation and follows Bridges’ no-contest plea to felony charges later that year. Because Bridges was an unsigned free agent during the 2022-23 season, the NBA credited him with 20 games already served, leaving 10 games of effective suspension.

Key Facts of the Suspension

Bridges, 25, will be required to sit out the first 10 games of the 2023-24 NBA season once he signs with a team. The suspension is without pay, meaning he will forfeit a portion of his salary for those contests. The NBA released a statement saying that it conducted its own investigation, reviewing available documents and interviewing numerous witnesses, as well as the parties involved. The league also consulted a panel of domestic violence experts, as is standard under its policies.

The punishment stems from an incident that occurred on June 29, 2022, when Bridges was arrested in Los Angeles following an altercation with his ex-girlfriend. He was released on a $130,000 bond. The victim suffered injuries including a broken nose, a concussion, and multiple bruises. Court documents stated that the assault took place in front of the couple’s two children. Bridges was formally charged in July 2022. He initially pleaded not guilty, but in November 2022, he entered a no-contest plea as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

The Incident and Legal Proceedings

Under the terms of the plea deal, Bridges received a three-year suspended prison sentence, 100 hours of community service, and was required to complete a 52-week domestic violence counseling program. He avoided a custodial sentence because of the plea agreement, but the judge also issued a protective order requiring him to stay away from the victim. Prosecutors had originally sought a more severe punishment, but the victim’s preference for treatment over incarceration was taken into account.

The NBA’s investigation ran parallel to the criminal case. The league’s domestic violence policy, which was revised in 2017, gives the commissioner broad authority to discipline players even if they are not convicted in court. The policy states that the league can conduct its own fact-finding and determine appropriate sanctions. In this case, the NBA concluded that Bridges violated the policy and imposed the 30-game ban.

Career Background and Rise

Bridges was drafted 12th overall by the Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Michigan State University. He quickly became known for his athleticism and dunking ability, and by his fourth season he had developed into a key player for Charlotte. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 49.1% from the field. He started 80 games and was considered one of the most improved players in the league. He also represented the Hornets in the 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament, where he averaged 25 points across two games, underscoring his value to the franchise.

That breakout performance made him eligible for a rookie-scale extension, but the Hornets were unable to reach an agreement with him before the 2022-23 season. Instead, Bridges became a restricted free agent. After his arrest, the Hornets withdrew their qualifying offer, and Bridges spent the 2022-23 season as an unsigned free agent. He was allowed to sign with any team but remained without a contract while the legal and league investigations were ongoing.

Impact on the Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have not commented publicly on the suspension. The team is currently in the early stages of rebuilding around point guard LaMelo Ball and rookie forward Brandon Miller. Bridges’ potential return would provide a significant boost on the wing, as he is a versatile scorer and defender. However, the organization must weigh the basketball benefits against the reputational risks associated with his past behavior.

If Bridges signs with the Hornets for the 2023-24 season, they would need to endure his absence for the first 10 games. That would likely open up more minutes for players like Cody Martin or Jalen McDaniels, who have shown flashes of productivity. Bridges’ conditioning could also be a concern, as he has not played a competitive NBA game in over a year. Still, he has maintained his training regimen and was seen working out in Los Angeles.

Precedents and Reactions

Bridges’ case is not the first time the NBA has dealt with a domestic violence suspension. In 2014, then-Charlotte Hornets forward Jeffrey Taylor was suspended for 24 games without pay after pleading guilty to domestic violence in a hotel. The NBA’s policy has evolved since then, and the league has sought to demonstrate that it takes such incidents seriously.

Advocates for domestic violence victims have generally praised the NBA’s decision but some have argued that a longer suspension might be warranted. The fact that the assault occurred in front of children has drawn particular outrage. The NBA’s 30-game suspension is one of the longer bans for a domestic violence case in league history, though it is far from the maximum. The league often considers whether the player has accepted responsibility and participated in treatment programs.

Financial Consequences

Bridges has already lost significant income because of the incident. He missed the entire 2022-23 season and was not paid. His prior salary was approximately $7.9 million for the 2021-22 season. He had been projected to receive a contract worth up to $80 million before the incident. Now, he may have to settle for a minimum contract or a short-term deal with performance incentives. The 10-game suspension will further reduce his earnings, as he will forfeit a pro-rated amount of his salary.

Future Outlook

As the NBA free agency period approaches, teams will have to decide whether they are willing to sign Bridges. The Hornets still have the option to extend him a qualifying offer, but they have not announced their intentions. If they do not, Bridges will become an unrestricted free agent. Any team that signs him will know that he will miss the first 10 games of the season, which could impact their rotation planning. Bridges will be eligible to play in training camp and preseason games if he signs a contract, but he will not be able to appear in regular-season games until the suspension is served.

Bridges has stated that he is taking responsibility for his actions and is committed to making positive changes. He has been participating in the required counseling and community service. Whether he can rebuild his career remains to be seen. His talent is undeniable, but his reputation has been tarnished. The NBA will monitor his compliance with the league’s program, and any further incidents could result in more severe punishment.

Source:L'Équipe News