The Boston Celtics are reportedly “deeply disturbed” by allegations against Jabari Bird and are now working with the NBA and local authorities in assisting on the investigation, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Celtics guard is being accused of assaulting his girlfriend for four hours in his apartment and strangling her multiple times, including once until she lost consciousness, according to Tom Westerholm of MassLive.
Jabari Bird was officially arraigned on these charges on Thursday after being arrested last week, causing the Celtics to release a statement on the matter.
“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.”
The NBA has been known to take stern action when it comes to domestic abuse, but the Celtics got in front of this matter by promptly releasing a statement after he was arraigned.
Bird reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic assault, strangulation, and kidnapping after the 24-year-old was accused of beating his girlfriend for four hours, including “kicking her repeatedly in the stomach when she woke up.” His bail was set at $50,000 cash.
Bird will be allowed to travel with the Celtics, if the court approves it, but will be under the supervision of his high school coach, among others.
The police report said there was text message evidence that Bird threatened to kill himself if his girlfriend didn't return to the apartment, and upon returning she had found Jabari Bird passed out in the bathroom displaying “seizure-like symptoms.”
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