Bird, who signed a two-year contract with the Celtics in July, was expected to appear in court Monday on charges of assault, kidnapping and strangulation in a domestic violence incident, police told ESPN.
WBZ reported the incident took place in suburban Brighton, where Bird was being treated, with the victim in a different hospital.
“We are aware of the incident involving Jabari Bird and are taking it very seriously,” the Celtics said in a statement. “We are actively gathering information and will reserve further comment at this time.”
The 24-year-old Californian averaged 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 13 games for Boston last season, all but one of them in a reserve role.
Former NBA player Hairston wanted on assault charge
Former NBA and University of North Carolina swingman PJ Hairston is wanted in North Carolina for an alleged assault on a female.
The News & Observer in Raleigh 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, NC, also is wanted in Vance County for driving with a revoked licence, and he has a pending domestic violence protective order, officials said.
His troubles with the law go back to June 2013, when he was arrested for possession of marijuana – those charges later were dropped – after the car he was riding in was pulled over in a traffic stop. Police also found a handgun and ammunition in the car, which was rented in the name of a convicted felon.
He never played for UNC after that, and his college career was over after two seasons. He played in the NBA Development League and entered the NBA draft in 2014.
Hairston was selected with the 26th overall pick by the Miami Heat and traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
He played two seasons in the NBA, splitting time between Charlotte and Memphis, averaging 6.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 111 career games.
Meanwhile 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 $1.7mn 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.