Warning: Article contains graphic allegations of domestic violence. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced charges against NBA forward Miles Bridges, who was previously arrested for felony domestic violence on June 29 after an alleged physical altercation with his wife, Michelle Johnson. Specifically, Bridges has been charged with “one felony count of injury to a parent of a child and two felony counts of child abuse under conditions or circumstances likely to cause serious bodily injury or death,” according to Gascon’s statement. After his arrest, he was released on $130,000 bail. “Domestic violence creates physical, mental and emotional trauma that has a lasting impact on survivors,” Gascon said. “Children who witness domestic violence are particularly vulnerable and the impact on them is immeasurable. Mr Bridges will be held accountable for his actions and the Office of Victim Services will support survivors through this difficult process.” Johnson provided several images in a since-deleted Instagram post showing bruises on her body as well as hospital documents describing injuries including a concussion, broken nasal bone, bruised ribs, strained neck muscles and bruises. Johnson’s full comments were posted alongside a video of their son saying “daddy choked mommy”. Explore Scott of Sports Illustrated provided the copy: “I hate that it’s come to this, but I can’t keep quiet anymore. I’ve allowed someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way possible, and scar our children for life. I have nothing to prove to the world , but I will not allow anyone who could do something so horrible to have no remorse and paint me as something I am not. I will not allow the people around me to continue to silence me and continue to lie to protect this person. It’s unethical, it’s unethical, it’s really SICK. It hurts my heart because I’ve always had hope, and so much love and as scary as this is for me to do, it’s time to stand up for myself. I won’t be silent to protect others anymore because I value myself and my children more than anyone’s “image”. “A broken nose, broken wrist, torn eardrum, torn muscles in my neck from being choked to sleep and a severe concussion. I don’t need sympathy, I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else, I just want this person to get help, the my children deserve better. that’s all i want. it hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most of all i’m scared and hurt for my children who witnessed everything. please respect my family’s privacy and stop with the disgusting rumors and allegations ». According to TMZ Sports, Johnson told law enforcement that she and Bridges got into a fight on June 28 that turned physical. Bridge fled the area that day, but surrendered to authorities on June 29. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday. Bridges played the first four seasons of his career with the Charlotte Hornets, who released a statement following news of his arrest. “The Charlotte Hornets are aware of the situation regarding Miles Bridges,” the statement read. “We are in the process of gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time.” The Hornets also released a statement after Gascon announced the charges: Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears Hornets statement on Miles Bridges pic.twitter.com/mMKxYg8jky Charlotte extended a qualifying offer to Bridges, a restricted free agent, in late June before news of the arrest broke. According to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Hornets did not withdraw that offer before the July 13 deadline.
