Miles Bridges charged with domestic violence ahead of free agency

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges was set to be one of the top players in free agency, which opens today (Thursday, June 30). The 24-year-old is not starting out the day as he probably expected, after being arrested on Wednesday on domestic violence charges.

Bridges turned himself in at a police station 24 hours after the events that allegedly happened on Tuesday night. A woman, who reportedly later needed medical attention, says an argument led to physical violence by Bridges, who initially fled the scene before the police arrived.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Bridges charged for the felony and then released on $130,000 bail.

If he is proven guilty, it’s likely the NBA will intervene. The power forward is a restricted free agent with a $7.4 million qualifying offer from his current team, the Charlotte Hornets. Bridges was looking for a max deal, which could reach $173 million for five years. He turned down a four-year $60 million contract extension last year. Last season, Bridges averaged 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. The Hornets were thought likely to match any offer to keep one of their best players. They have yet to comment on the situation regarding Bridges’ legal troubles.