Hornets Release Statement on Return of Miles Bridges

Forward Miles Bridges is about to make his return from a suspension, but it’s not coming without some controversy.

Bridges is expected to play for the Hornets on Friday after serving a 10-game suspension to start the season (and a 25-game suspension overall) following domestic violence allegations from last year. He missed all of last season.

Now that Bridges is about to debut after signing a one-year qualifying offer, the Hornets felt compelled to say something about it. So they released a statement.

“Miles Bridges is eligible to return to our active roster on Friday after serving his NBA suspension,” the statement read. “We are comfortable with Miles returning to play based on our current understanding of the facts of the recent allegations and remain in contact with the NBA as that matter proceeds through the court process.”

The recent allegations against Bridges were detailed by James Herbert of CBS Sports:

“1.) In October, Bridges turned himself in, appeared before a judge and was released on a $1,000 bond, following an arrest warrant that was issued in January but was previously unserved. This alleged violation was for continually contacting his ex-girlfriend.

“2.) In October, Bridges was charged with child abuse, injury to personal property and another violation of the protective order. A criminal summons was issued for allegedly threatening his ex and throwing pool balls at her car while their children were in it. He was initially scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 13, but that has been rescheduled to Feb. 20, according to Mecklenburg County court records.”

On the court, Bridges put together a career year in 2021-22, averaging 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. All were career highs.