Bird’s problems go beyond hoops
The Celtics aren’t trifling with diplomatic niceties and cagey legalese in their handling of the litany of charges being brought against reserve guard Jabari Bird.
“Most importantly, our thoughts are with the victim of this incident,” the team said in a statement released yesterday.
“The Celtics organization deplores domestic violence of any kind, and we are deeply disturbed by the allegations against Jabari Bird.”
This should not be read as a judgment against Bird, a 24-year-old California native who appeared in 13 games with the Celtics last season and this past July signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the team. The courts, after all, will rule on innocence or guilt. Bird was arraigned in Brighton District Court yesterday following a weekend arrest in which he was charged with domestic assault, strangulation and kidnapping stemming from an alleged incident involving a 20-year-old woman.
Bird, who pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bail yesterday, appears to have a support mechanism in place. He has an agent, Aaron Goodwin, and a lawyer, Brian Kelly. Bird’s former high school coach as well as the mother of Celtics forward Jaylen Brown have reportedly agreed to assist in providing supervision.
This is the way it should be. Bird faces very serious charges here, and if it’s true he sent the woman a text in which he stated he might kill himself — the woman told police he “has anxiety issues he struggles with” — that, too, is something his camp should be addressing.
But the Celtics appear not to be preparing to dig in and defend their guy at all costs. Some will say that’s because Bird, a second-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft (56th overall), is not looked upon as a star in the making. And in letting the National Basketball Association handle the fallout from the case in accordance with its domestic violence policy, it’s possible Bird’s contract could be voided, which would save the Celtics money in terms of salary cap implications.
But it’s also the times we’re living in. Just as professional athletes must prove themselves if they want to make it in the big time, this is a case in which Bird — with the help of his support mechanism — must prove himself in a different arena if he has any hope of continuing his professional basketball career — here or anywhere else.
Let’s put salary cap issues and roster depth aside for a moment, as we arrive here: We’ve seen too many cases in recent years in which professional sports teams seem to have wins and losses in mind when they defend a player who has been charged with a crime. While it’s nice to know the home office will have your back in times of trouble, such charges as domestic assault, strangulation and kidnapping should be red flags to stand down and let the league, the court system and the player’s support mechanism go to work.
As a talented Celtics team begins training for the 2018-19 season, there will be plenty of opportunities to talk basketball. This isn’t about basketball.
Bird released this statement yesterday:
“I’m taking some time away from the team as I deal with my legal and medical issues. I apologize to my family, the Celtics organization, my teammates, the fans and the NBA for the unnecessary distraction that I have caused. The information that has been released does not tell the full story. I do not condone violence against women. I am hopeful that in due time and process, I will be able to regain everyone’s trust.”
Again: This isn’t about basketball. This isn’t about the 2018-19 NBA season. This isn’t about wins, losses, playoff runs, or championships. This isn’t about Celtic Pride and carefree nights at the Garden, watching the world’s best basketball players engage in the thrilling artistry of their sport.
This is about a 24-yearold man facing serious charges.
While apologizing to many parties for this “unnecessary distraction,” Jabari Bird maintains that the full story has not been told.
It is his responsibility, with assistance from his support mechanism, to tell that story.