NBA
Report: Jabari Bird Arrested for Assault
Boston Celtics shooting guard Jabari Bird was arrested for alleged assault for reportedly strangling, and kidnapping someone. The case is being treated as domestic violence at the time.
It is unlikely that the Celtics will make a roster move for Bird. However, a move could be made in the upcoming days.
At this point in time, the Celtics are not expected to look to make a roster move. Bird was not seen as a significant piece of the Celtics, but more of a player to add depth.
Bird was selected by the Celtics with the 56th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He appeared in 13 games for the Celtics last season, averaging 3.0 points per contest. However, he was able to have a very impressive summer league. With this performance, the 24-year-old Bird was able to secure a two-year contract with the Celtics with the first year guaranteed, per Keith Smith of RealGM. Bird is expected to fight for a spot in the Celtics rotation.
Initial Reaction
The NBA introduced new rules to deal with domestic violence cases in 2017. Under the CBA, the NBA has the power to investigate domestic violence incidents and to punish players, subject to challenge from the players’ union, regardless of whether criminal charges have been resolved. Correspondingly, Detroit Pistons center Willie Reed was suspended 6 games last season for domestic violence.
Although the Bird case is under investigation, this needs to be a wake up call for the NBA and other sports leagues. Serious crimes routinely go unpunished or with a slap on the wrist. All in all this behavior is unacceptable, and the NBA need to use this as an example for the rest of the league. Additionally, the Celtics need to make it clear that this behavior has no place in the league.
Photo Credit
Donq question via Flickr
