Jabari Bird was arraigned in Brighton Municipal Court today, and bail was set at $50,000, on charges that he assaulted his girlfriend in a domestic-violence incident last Friday.
Prosecutors said the Celtics guard repeatedly strangled his girlfriend, causing her to lose consciousness at several points. He is facing charges that include strangulation, kidnapping, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping.
Both Bird and the alleged victim were hospitalized after the incident, at separate institutions. Bird's arraingment originally was scheduled for Monday, but was postponed because he was still in the hospital.
The Celtics released a statement after the arraignment:
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.