Hornets' Miles Bridges apologizes for 'pain' caused by domestic violence suspension

Miles Bridges spoke publicly for the first time since signing a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer earlier this month to return to the Charlotte Hornets. He missed the 2022-2023 season after a domestic violence incident and on Tuesday, addressed reporters in a press conference with general manager Mitch Kupchak.

"First of all, I want to apologize to everybody for the pain and embarrassment that I caused everyone, but especially my family," the former Michigan State star said in an opening statement. "This year away, I've used it to prioritize going to therapy and become the best person I can be, someone that my family and everybody here can be proud of."

Kupchak said the decision to bring back Bridges, who they acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers on draft night in 2018, took "a lot of time to sort through" and "a lot of measured thought." Executives followed the legal case in Los Angeles, where the alleged assault took place, and the NBA's investigation, which resulted in a 30-game suspension. The forward will sit out the first 10 games of the upcoming season to complete the punishment.

In November, Bridges pleaded no contest to one domestic violence charge for attacking the mother of his two children. She posted photos of her injuries on social media, showing bruises, cuts and swelling on her face, arm and leg. He received probation and 100 hours of community service.

"Our relationship with Miles that goes back over five years, talking to Miles this past year, whether it was ownership, myself or our coach, knowing Miles as we know him, him showing remorse and accountability and indicating to us that this would never happen again, I believe Miles when he says that," Kupchak said, "as an organization we made a decision to extend a qualifying offer."

"A lot of people don't get a second chance and I wanna use this second chance just to prove to everybody that I'm the same kid that you drafted five years ago," Bridges said. "I'm just happy to be back and I can't wait to get this year started."

In June, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets to an ownership group that includes Gabe Plotkin, Rick Schnall and rap star J. Cole. Kupchak said that old and new ownership groups were consulted in the decision to bring back Bridges and everyone was on board.

Bridges averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game, 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the 2021-2022 campaign. He said he's been building a relationship with head coach Steve Clifford, who he calls "a great coach" and noticed that the team's defense has been improving.

He said he's stayed in shape and working on his own game by going to the gym. With the time away, he's also realized the importance of his role in the community and hopes to regain the trust of fans.

"I'll be around the community a lot, not 'cause I have to, because I want to," he said. "Being away for a year made me realize that I wasn't in the community like I should be. I have a name, people know me and kids look up to me, so just for me to be around, I feel like it will be big for them."

Kupchak said that Bridges will be looked at as a leader due to the longevity of his career, but that Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward will also be given the responsibility to carry the team, who picked up Alabama forward Brandon Miller with the No. 2 pick of this year's draft. The executive also pointed out 2021 Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball is entering his fourth season and has leadership capabilities.

With the qualifying offer, Bridges will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season and the team will have Bird Rights, giving them an advantage in re-signing him.

"I want to be in Charlotte," Bridges said. "This is where I got drafted and this is where I grew into a man, so like I said, I would love to be here."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hornets' Miles Bridges apologizes for 'pain' caused by suspension