Boston Celtics guard Jabari Bird is expected to appear in court Monday after his arrest Friday night for an alleged domestic violence incident in Brighton, Mass., that could lead to multiple charges, including assault and battery, strangulation and kidnapping, according to Boston.com.
Bird is under police watch at a Boston-area hospital, according to the Boston Police Department on Saturday. The alleged victim, whose name was not released, is being treated at a separate hospital.
“We are aware of the incident involving Jabari Bird and are taking it very seriously,” according to a statement from the Celtics that was released Saturday. “We are actively gathering information and will reserve further comment at this time.”
Bird, 24, was a second-round pick by Boston in the 2017 NBA Draft, but spent most of his season with the Maine Red Claws, Boston’s G-League affiliate. He signed a two-year contract with the Celtics this summer.
Meantime, former University of North Carolina swingman P.J. Hairston, who also played two seasons in the NBA, is wanted in North Carolina for an alleged assault on a female.
The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., reported that the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said Hairston, 25, has an outstanding warrant for assault, interfering with emergency communications and injury to personal property.
Hairston, who is believed to live in Oak Ridge, N.C., also is wanted in Vance County for driving with a revoked license, and he has a pending domestic violence protective order, officials said.
In other NBA news, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed free agent guard David Nwaba, general manager Kobe Altman announced, in a deal reported to be in the works more than a month ago, but was recently finalized.
Nwaba also discussed potential deals with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and other teams. Previously a restricted free agent, Nwaba’s $1.7 million qualifying offer was pulled by the Bulls in mid-July, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The 25-year-old averaged 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game across 70 appearances (21 starts) last season with the Bulls, who claimed him off waivers in July 2017. (Reuters)
