Miles Bridges has returned to playing in the NBA, but fans have not forgotten his off-court issues.
The Charlotte Hornets forward faced a felony domestic violence charge in 2022, pleading no contest after being accused of assaulting his then-girlfriend in front of their two children.
On Saturday, Bridges posted a photo on social media, sitting courtside at an NBA Summer League game with a few Hornets teammates. His caption read, “Can’t wait for the season.”
The seemingly harmless post quickly drew backlash. One fan called Bridges an “abuser” in the comments. Bridges responded, “Never abused anybody.”
The controversy didn’t end there. Another fan posted a photo of Bridges’ former girlfriend showing apparent bruises on her face. In a now-deleted comment, Bridges implied that the injuries were not from abuse, stating, “Acne and failed lip filler.”
Bridges is currently serving a three-year probation sentence following his no-contest plea. His probation terms include 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and 52 weeks of parenting classes.
Despite these legal issues, Bridges played 69 games for the Hornets last season after missing the entire 2022-23 campaign. He posted impressive stats, averaging 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 46.2% from the floor.
The return of Bridges to the NBA court comes amid a backdrop of ongoing scrutiny. The league and its fans are closely watching how he handles both his professional and personal life moving forward.
His legal obligations and the public’s reaction to his past actions remain significant factors in his career trajectory.
While his on-court performance remains strong, the off-court issues are a stark reminder of the complex legacy he carries. The NBA community continues to grapple with the balance between athletic talent and personal conduct, and Bridges’ situation exemplifies this ongoing challenge.
As the new season approaches, the Hornets and their fans will undoubtedly be watching Bridges closely, not just for his contributions on the court but also for his efforts to rehabilitate his image and fulfill his probation requirements.
The road ahead for Miles Bridges involves more than just basketball—it includes proving to the world that he can learn from his past and build a better future.
