NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended Tuesday the unusual disciplinary action against forward Myles Bridges, who was suspended for 30 games for domestic violence.
Bridges, 25, was a restricted free agent but signed or played with the team during the 2022-23 season after being arrested for punching his girlfriend in front of his children in California in June. He didn’t contest felony domestic violence charges in November, but it wasn’t until April 14 that the NBA announced his punishment after the league’s investigation. This season. Generally, players are credited for games only if they are eligible and able to play.
Silver said on Tuesday that the league and Bridges had made a “mutual agreement” not to play during the 2022-23 season, but Silver cautiously said Bridges was not suspended. said it seemed right to give Bridges 20 games to qualify for penalties after missing a year of earnings and NBA play. The league also confirmed that if Bridges signs a new contract, Bridges will lose 30 games of compensation, even though his suspension will keep him out of just 10 games.
But if Bridges’ absence this season was supposed to be some kind of punishment, it didn’t seem like it. In December, he joked with the players At a game between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets last season in Los Angeles.and in February he said Associated Press He may return to play in March. He was sentenced to one year of counseling and community service. A representative for Bridges did not respond to a request for comment.
Bridges’ punishment has been criticized some reporters And from fans on social media.
Fairness and accountability in the NBA’s disciplinary process comes after a series of incidents in which players received different penalties for similar offenses, or harsher penalties than players or peers felt were fair. League officials say they look at several factors, including an individual’s past behavior, that could lead to different outcomes when issuing penalties. increase.
