Boston Celtics guard Jabari Bird allegedly assaulted a woman at least a dozen times over a four-hour period Friday, prosecutors said at an arraignment hearing Thursday.
According to prosecutors, the woman told police that Bird strangled and threw her against a wall after they got into an argument at Bird’s residence. She said Bird would strangle her until she went “limp,” allow her to catch her breath and begin choking her again.
She also said that Bird kicked her multiple times in the stomach and dragged her away from the door when she tried to leave before shutting her into a bathroom.
The woman told police she was able to leave after Bird passed with “seizure-like” symptoms.
At the arraignment, Bird was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery of a family or household member, kidnapping and strangulation following his arrest over the weekend.
Bird pleaded not guilty at the hearing and is being held on $50,000 bond. His next court date is set for Oct. 25.
The Celtics addressed Thursday’s hearing in a statement, saying the matter will be handled by the NBA rather than the team.
“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,” the Celtics said. “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.”
Bird had been held at a local hospital for evaluation, which delayed the arraignment hearing to Thursday.
The Celtics drafted Bird with the 56th pick in the 2017 draft. The shooting guard spent his rookie season on a two-way contract before being signed to the active roster this summer.
Source : ESPN
