Miles Bridges led the Hornets in scoring in the 2021-22 season — averaging 20.2 points a game — but did not play a minute in the NBA this past season after an arrest last summer on domestic violence charges in Los Angeles. Bridges pled no contest (avoiding an admission of guilt) and was put on probation, he had to do a year of domestic violence counseling and a year of parenting classes, plus 100 hours of community service.
Following its own investigation into the situation, the NBA suspended Bridges for 30 games, it was announced on Friday. However, understanding that he did not get a contract this season because of the charges (although his agent talked to teams), the NBA considered 20 games of the suspension served. If (or, more likely, when) Bridges signs a new contract this offseason, he will miss the first 10 games of next season.
From the NBA press release:
The NBA conducted its own investigation into this matter, reviewing all available materials and interviewing numerous third-party witnesses, as well as the parties involved. The NBA also consulted with a group of domestic violence experts who provide the league with guidance in such cases. The 30-game suspension is based on all facts and circumstances of this matter and considers the conduct and its result, as well as the outcome of the criminal matter, among other factors.
The charges came after Mychelle Johnson, Bridges’ girlfriend and the mother of his children, detailed the abuse she suffered in a July 1 Instagram post where she said, “I can’t be silent anymore. I’ve allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible and traumatize our kids for life.” The post contained detailed medical reports of multiple injuries, plus video that involved their son recounting abuse he witnessed.
Bridges played four seasons with the Hornets before missing this past season.