Celtics' Jabari Bird pleads not guilty to assault, kidnapping, strangulation

Boston Celtics guard Jabari Bird pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of domestic assault, strangulation, and kidnapping. Bail was set at $100,000 - with $50,000 required in cash - according to MassLive's Jacqueline Tempera.

Bird was arrested on Saturday after the incident and was last reported to be under guard in a Boston hospital.

At Thursday's arraignment, prosecutors contended that the 24-year-old kept a former romantic partner trapped in an apartment for four hours, threw her against a wall, and strangled her multiple times, including once when she lost consciousness. According to MassLive's Tom Westerholm, he also repeatedly kicked the woman in the stomach.

The police report states the woman eventually took refuge in a bathroom, and when she came out, Bird was displaying "seizure-like symptoms." Authorities also said that he threatened to kill himself in a text message to the woman.

Bird's release includes conditions of no drugs or alcohol, no weapons, and court-ordered supervision by his high school coach.

A statement from Bird on Thursday said that he will be taking some time away from the Celtics, according to ESPN's Marc J. Spears. "The information that has been released does not tell the full story. I do not condone violence against women," Bird added.

The Celtics released a statement after the arraignment, saying the "organization deplores domestic violence of any kind" and offering no further comment. An NBA spokesperson told The Athletic's Shams Charania that the league is conducting a full investigation into the matter.

Bird, a second-round pick out of Cal in 2017, split last season between the Celtics and their G League affiliate in Maine. He averaged three points in 13 NBA games.