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[Saba Sports News] Miles Bridges, the Charlotte Hornets forward, faced difficulties entering Canada for a game against the Toronto Raptors. Reported by Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Bridges was denied entry into Canada, impacting his availability for the Hornets’ matchup at Scotiabank Arena. Although the team is working to resolve the issue, the exact reason for the denial remains unclear.
Bridges’ legal troubles over the past year could be a factor. In June 2022, he was arrested for an alleged felony domestic violence incident, leading to his absence for the entire 2022-23 season. Following a plea deal where he avoided prison, Bridges returned to the Hornets but faced a 30-game NBA suspension, credited for 20 games due to his missed season. He completed the remaining 10-game suspension this season. Bridges was also arrested again in October for allegedly violating a protective order related to the original case.
Canada’s strict entry policies for individuals with criminal records might have contributed to Bridges’ entry issues. The country has a history of denying entry to professional athletes and others with felony convictions, regardless of when they occurred.
Despite these challenges, Bridges has been a key player for the Hornets this season, especially in LaMelo Ball’s absence, averaging 19.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his first 14 games back. The Hornets are scheduled to play two games in Toronto this season, the first being the recently affected game and another on March 3.