Celtics' Jabari Bird Choked Girlfriend Out Repeatedly: Prosecutor

BRIGHTON, MA — Celtics guard Jabari Bird allegedly got into a heated argument with his girlfriend Friday night that led to him throwing her against a wall in his Brighton apartment and repeatedly choking her to the point of her losing consciousness.

Bird was arraigned Thursday in Brighton District Court on charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and kidnapping.

He was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail.

Prosecutors said Bird strangled his girlfriend, a local college student, multiple times to the point of her losing consciousness in an incident that lasted around four hours. When she came to, he strangled her again. He also allegedly trapped in her a bathroom. She eventually fled in her friend's car.

A police report obtained by NBC Boston says that when the victim escaped the bathroom, she found Bird "displaying seizure like symptoms." She moved him to a bed and left.

He then allegedly texted her threatening to kill her if she didn't return.

Bird, who was arrested late Friday night, had his arraignment delayed until Thursday as he was evaluated for unspecified injuries in a Boston hospital.

Bird's attorney said there are two sides to every story, but didn't specify what his client's side was. He also said Bird's high school coach will come from California to Massachusetts to supervise him while the case is pending.

Bird will be allowed only to travel out of state for "business," the Suffolk County DA's Office said. The Celtics season starts Oct. 16. The case is scheduled to return to court Oct. 25.

"Most importantly, our thoughts are with the victim of this incident," the Celtics said in a statement. "The Celtics organization deplores domestic violence of any kind, and we are deeply disturbed by the allegations against Jabari Bird."

The team made a significant commitment to the 24-year-old in July, signing him to a two-year deal worth $3 million to round out their roster. Bird spent much of last year with the Celtics' developmental team in Maine, but shined during this year's Summer League.

Previously: Celtics Player Jabari Bird Hospitalized, Delaying Arraignment

Photo of the Brighton District Courthouse by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff