Miles Bridges was furious.
The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets met at State Farm Arena on April 13 in a win-or-go-home game. For the majority of the game, the Hawks had the upper hand, which irritated certain Hornets players, especially Miles Bridges.
Bridges was called for goaltending, but he was blasted with back-to-back technical fouls and dismissed from the game after arguing with the referee. Bridges was extremely enraged and attempted to face the referee, but was stopped by teammates and coaches.
A spectator began taunting Bridges as he moved towards the tunnel, which the Hornets player did not appreciate. Bridges then attempted to fire his mouthpiece at the fan, but it missed and landed in the neck of a young child.
After the game, Bridges tweeted an apology to the fan on Twitter saying “Somebody get me in contact with the young lady. That’s unacceptable.”
In the post-game interview, Bridges said “I was aiming for the guy that was screaming at me and it hit a little girl. So that’s definitely unacceptable on my part and I take full responsibility.”
Bridges continued, “That’s out of character for me.” “You’ve been around me — I never act or react like that.” So, that was obviously inappropriate, a lot of emotions, and perhaps, I can contact the young girl and apologize to her and do something good for her, but that is entirely on me.”
The NBA is likely to discipline Bridges for his behavior, though it is unclear whether a fine or a minor suspension would be imposed.
