Miles Bridges, the Charlotte Hornets forward once dubbed the NBA’s “bad guy” due to his legal troubles, recently experienced an emotional reunion with his daughter following a heartfelt plea for help. This moment signifies a personal turning point for Bridges, who has been striving to rebuild his life and relationships after a tumultuous period.
In June 2022, Bridges was arrested in Los Angeles on charges of felony domestic violence and child abuse, stemming from an alleged assault on his then-partner, Mychelle Johnson, in front of their two children. Johnson shared images of her injuries on social media, which included a fractured nose, wrist, torn eardrum, and other serious injuries . Bridges pleaded no contest to the felony domestic violence charge in November 2022 and was sentenced to three years of probation, along with requirements to attend domestic violence counseling, parenting classes, and complete 100 hours of community service .
Following his legal proceedings, Bridges was suspended for 30 games by the NBA, with 20 games credited for time already missed, effectively sidelining him for the first 10 games of the 2023–24 season . Despite the controversy, the Charlotte Hornets extended a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer to Bridges, allowing him to return to the team .
In his first public statement since the incident, Bridges expressed deep remorse:
> “I want to apologize to everybody for the pain and embarrassment that I have caused everyone, especially my family. This year away, I’ve used it to prioritize just going to therapy and becoming the best person I can be, someone that my family and everyone here can be proud of.”
The emotional reunion with his daughter came after Bridges made a desperate plea for assistance in reconnecting with his children, emphasizing his commitment to being a present and responsible father. While specific details of the reunion remain private, sources close to Bridges indicate that the moment was profoundly moving and served as a catalyst for his continued personal growth.
Bridges’ journey toward redemption is ongoing. He continues to attend therapy sessions and fulfill the conditions of his probation. His focus remains on rebuilding trust with his family, teammates, and the broader community. The Hornets organization has acknowledged the complexity of his return, with General Manager Mitch Kupchak stating:
> “There’s a lot of trust that needs to be earned back. And that’s the case both on and off the court for Bridges.”
As Bridges works to redefine his legacy, moments like the reunion with his daughter serve as poignant reminders of the personal stakes involved. His story underscores the challenges of personal accountability and the possibility of growth and reconciliation in the aftermath of serious mistakes.