On Wednesday afternoon, rising NBA star Miles Bridges was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department on domestic violence charges. The 24-year-old Charlotte Hornets forward ended up behind bars on the eve of free agency where he was expected to land a $100m deal after a breakout season in which he led his team as top scorer . He was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 20.
While the LAPD did not release information about the incident that prompted the arrest, the Hornets responded Thursday with a statement: “The Charlotte Hornets are aware of the situation with Miles Bridges. We are in the process of collecting more information. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Late Thursday night, Mychelle Johnson, Bridges’ wife and mother of their two children, shed light on the NBA players’ alleged actions and posted a series of photos to Instagram showing the bruising Bridges allegedly caused, as well as what to be appears a hospital report with harrowing details: “Adult victim of physical abuse by male partner; attack by strangulation; Concussion; Closed fracture of the nasal bone; crushing of the rib; Multiple bruises; Neck muscle strain.”
The photos were accompanied by a statement from Johnson: “I hate that it has come to this, but I can’t keep quiet any longer. I have allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in any way they can, and traumatize our children for life. I have nothing to prove to the world, but I won’t let someone who could do something so horrible be unrepentant and paint a picture of something I’m not. I will not allow the people around him to keep silencing me and keep lying to protect that person. It’s unethical, it’s immoral, it’s really SICK. It hurts my heart because I’ve always had hope, and as much love and as scary as it is for me to do it, it’s time I stand up for myself.
She continued, “I will no longer remain silent to protect others because I value myself and my children more than anyone’s ‘image’… a broken nose, a broken wrist, a ruptured eardrum, torn muscles in my neck , before I’m choked until I went to sleep and a severe concussion. I don’t need sympathy, I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else, I just want that person to get help, my kids deserve better. That’s all I want It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, above all I’m afraid and hurt for my children, who have witnessed everything. Please respect my family’s privacy and stop the disgusting rumors and accusations.”