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Update
The Celtics have released a statement on the situation:
“Most importantly, our thoughts are with the victim of this incident. The Celtics organization deplores domestic violence of any kind, and we are deeply disturbed by the allegations against Jabari Bird. Pursuant to Domestic Violence Policy in the NBA’s labor agreement, matters of this kind are handled by the League Office, not the team, and so the Celtics will be working with both the league and local authorities to assist in their ongoing investigations. The team will have no further comment at this time.”
Boston Celtics guard Jabari Bird was officially arraigned on Thursday on charges of assaulting his girlfriend last Friday in Brighton.
Bird reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic assault, strangulation, and kidnapping. His bail is set at $50,000 cash.
Tom Westerholm reported the details following Bird’s court appearance on Thursday morning, noting that the 24-year-old is accused of assaulting his girlfriend in his apartment for four hours, including multiple instances of strangulation. Westerholm’s thread has the full details below:
Bird is accused of kicking her repeatedly in the stomach when she woke up. When she left, per the Commonwealth, Bird was in mental distress, so she left him in a safe place.
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) September 13, 2018
Bird is allowed to travel with the Celtics, if it’s court-approved. His supervision will include his high-school coach.
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) September 13, 2018
More details (h/t @jacktemp), per the police report: After being locked in a bathroom, the victim saw Bird had passed out and was displaying “seizure-like symptoms.”
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) September 13, 2018
Per MassLive’s Tom Westerholm, the District Attorney’s office says that Jabari Bird will appear in Brighton Municipal Court on Thursday.
Jabari Bird will appear in Brighton Municipal Court today, according to the District Attorney's office. No specific time for the proceedings.
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) September 13, 2018
Bird has been under guarded watch at a local hospital since he was arrested for assault on Friday night in Brighton, Massachusetts.
The 24-year-old guard was arrested for a domestic incident where he allegedly assaulted, choked, and kidnapped someone with whom he had a romantic relationship. His arraignment has been delayed, as he must be discharged from the hospital to be taken into police custody and booked.
We’ll continue to update this story throughout the day.