Knicks 122, Hornets 108: You can help victims of domestic violence
The NBA is more troubled by LaMelo Ball’s ink than Miles Bridges’ violence. There are ways to help those in need.
SUMMER 2022
A mother posts images of the injuries suffered after she was attacked and strangled by the father of her children. Among the images is a medical discharge form diagnosing her with a concussion, fractured nasal bone, bruised rib, other contusions and a strained neck muscle. Miles Bridges is charged with three felonies. Three years probation. Last night the Knicks defeated the Hornets 122-108.
JULY 2023
“I apologize to everyone for the pain and embarrassment,” Bridges says after signing a one-year contract extension, “especially my family. I’ve . . . prioritize[d] just going to therapy and becoming the best person I can be. Someone that my family and everyone here and be proud of. I want to thank the Hornets organization and the NBA for giving me a second chance. A lot of people don’t get a second chance . . . I’m the same kid that you drafted five years ago.”
Bridges and Johnson maintain custody of their children. Any visitation or exchange of the children must occur peacefully and through a neutral third party. “We believe this resolution was the best avenue to hold Mr. Bridges accountable for his conduct,” the L.A. district attorney’s office says. Donte DiVincenzo set a career-high with seven threes.
OCTOBER
A criminal summons is issued for Bridges for violating the mother of his childrens’ protective order. He’s charged with child abuse, injury to personal property, threatening the woman and damaging her car with the children in it by throwing pool balls at it, smashing the windshield and denting windows. He’s also accused of telling her that if she told the police, he’d withhold child support. No word if Bridges’ children, like their adult father, are still “the same kid” they were before the violence.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, who has the power to put any player linked to domestic violence – accused or convicted – on administrative leave before or after a criminal trial, on the league taking its responsibility seriously: “ . . . of course if a guy does cross the line, the consequences are enormous.” Mitchell Robinson’s 11 offensive rebounds moved him to third in franchise history.
TWO MONTHS EARLIER
“When officers arrived, Kevin Porter Jr.’s girlfriend was at the location with lacerations to her face. EMS transported the woman to an area hospital in stable condition. The woman suffered a fractured neck vertebra and a cut above her right eye, prosecutors said in court.”
Silver did not place Porter Jr. or Bridges on leave. Jalen Brunson scored 32 while Juilus Randle lightly flirted with a triple-double.
THREE DAYS AGO
The Charlotte Hornets released a statement: “Miles Bridges is eligible to return to our active roster . . . after serving his NBA suspension. We are comfortable with Miles returning.“
LAST NIGHT
Last night LaMelo Ball had to cover a tattoo behind his left ear because the ink is the logo of Ball’s clothing brand. The NBA isn’t comfortable with athletes using their bodies for advertising. The NBA is comfortable with you seeing Bridges play and Porter Jr.’s crime capitalized for value added in a trade. Profit is sacred. Bodies – especially non-NBA athletes – are a dime a dozen. Last night Ball found Bridges for four or five alley-oops, time after time leading him higher up into the air, beyond reach. Beyond care.
NOW
There are all kinds of ways you can get involved to help people in need of help. Educate yourself on the issue, the needs it creates and opportunities to be someone who helps. The National Network to End Domestic Violence has links for DV coalitions in all 50 states. Donating to shelters is cool, but be aware many aren’t equipped to provide long-term assistance, and while certain items are donated in abundance (boxed pasta; spaghetti sauce), there are all kinds of simple donations that get overlooked that make a real difference for someone depending on the kindness of strangers, e.g. boxed milk, can openers, cooking oil, sugar, spices, flour, eggs, dish soap and feminine hygiene products.
