Miles Bridges apologizes for 'pain' cause by domestic violence investigation - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges apologized Tuesday for «the pain and embarrassment» caused by the domestic violence investigation that kept him out of the league last season.

Bridges, speaking publicly for the first time since signing a one-year, $7.9 million contract to return to the Hornets, vowed to rebuild relationships with teammates and become more active in the Charlotte community.

He pleaded no contest in November to a felony charge that stemmed from accusations that he assaulted the mother of his children in front of them. Bridges, 25, was sentenced to three years of probation.

«I want to apologize to everybody for the pain and embarrassment that I have caused everyone, especially my family,» Bridges said. «This year away I've used to prioritize going to therapy and becoming the best person I can be — someone that my family and everyone here can be proud of.»

Following a lengthy investigation, the NBA handed down a 30-game suspension earlier this offseason, but determined that he'll only miss 10 games to start the upcoming season after giving him credit for 20 games served after sitting out 82 games last season.

Bridges thanked the Hornets organization and the NBA for giving him a second chance, adding that «a lot of people don't get a second chance, and I want to use this second chance to prove to everyone that I'm the same kid you drafted five years ago.»

Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said outgoing majority owner Michael Jordan and incoming owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall gave unanimous approval to re-sign Bridges.

Kupchak said that decision was based on separate investigations by the NBA and the Los Angeles Police Department, as well as the team's personal five-year