Jabari Bird

What was the Accusation?

On September 13, 2018, Boston Celtics guard Jabari Bird was arraigned by prosecutors for allegedly strangling a woman a dozen times over a four-hour period six days earlier.  The woman told prosecutors that Bird had thrown her up against a wall after they got into an argument at Bird’s house.  She claimed that Bird would strangle her until she went “limp,” give her a short opportunity to catch her breath, and then immediately start strangling her again.  She also claimed that Bird kicked her in the stomach multiple times, dragged her away from the door when she tried to escape, and shut her in a bathroom.  Bird was formally charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery of a family or household member, and kidnapping and strangulation.  He pleaded not guilty.  Bird’s attorney claimed that although his client “understands the seriousness of the charges,” that there are two sides to the story.  Bird himself indicated in his own statement that he wanted to apologize and reaffirm that he does not condone violence against women.  The Boston Celtics organization also released a statement, saying that their “thoughts are with the victim,” that they “deplore domestic violence of any kind,” and would cooperate with the NBA League Office in investigating the claims.

Key Apologia Strategies:

Mortification, Attacking the Accuser, Corrective Action

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Jabari Bird’s Statement:

 

 

 

 

Boston Celtics’ Statement:

Most importantly, our thoughts are with the victim of this incident. The Celtics organization deplores domestic violence of any kind, and we are deeply disturbed by the allegations against Jabari Bird,” the team said. “Pursuant to Domestic Violence Policy in the NBA’s labor agreement, matters of this kind are handled by the League Office, not the team, and so the Celtics will be working with both the league and local authorities to assist in their ongoing investigations. The team will have no further comment at this time.

Sources

Prosecutors allege Jabari Bird strangled woman at least a dozen times (2018, September 13). ESPN. Retrieved from: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24664132/prosecutors-allege-boston-celtics-guard-jabari-bird-strangled-woman-least-dozen-s