CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses domestic violence, which may include descriptions of violent acts. Reader discretion is advised.
For the first time in over 580 days, Miles Bridges returned to the basketball court.
Bridges still faces allegations of violating a protective order, but his suspension for felony domestic violence has expired.
Bridges missed all of last season and the first 10 games of this season following his arrest in Los Angeles in June 2022. He was most recently arrested in Lincoln County in mid-October for violating a protection order and child abuse. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
The Charlotte Hornets issued a statement Thursday saying the team is comfortable with Bridges returning to the roster.
“Miles Bridges is eligible to return to our active roster on Friday after serving his NBA suspension," the statement reads. "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.
Bridges received a warm welcome from the Spectrum Center crowd when we was subbed in about five minutes into tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I was happy for the response I got from everybody," Bridges said. "I've got to gain people's trust back, but I'm just here to play basketball and help this team get wins."
Bridges had 17 points in the Hornets 130-99 loss.
After missing all of last season, the Hornets brought Bridges back on a one-year deal, and he has a new allegation of violating his protective order from an alleged incident last month.
But the Hornets were "comfortable" with Bridges' returning after the expiration of his suspension -- and so were the fans we spoke to.