Hornets' Miles Bridges denied entry into Canada ahead of game against Raptors

Boone adds that the exact reason for Bridges being denied entry into Canada is unclear but that it may stem from his high-profile legal issues over the last year or so. Bridges was arrested in June of 2022 for an incident of alleged felony domestic violence and missed the entire 2022-23 season as a result. He eventually agreed to a notable plea deal in which he avoided prison time, paving the way for a return to the Hornets. The NBA still suspended Bridges for 30 games but gave him credit for 20 games served due to the season that he missed. Bridges has since completed his remaining 10-game suspension this season but was also arrested again in October for allegedly violating a protective order stemming from the original case.

In Canada, Boone notes, anyone with a criminal record can be denied entry into the country because of heightened enforcement. Many kinds of felony convinctions may make an individual inadmissible to enter Canada, no matter how long ago they took place. We also saw in recent years that pro athletes were being denied entry into Canada for a different reason.

Bridges, 25, has returned to a prominent role for the Hornets this season, especially in the extended injury absence of LaMelo Ball. He is averaging 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game over his first seven contests back. Monday marks the first of two scheduled games this season for the Hornets in Toronto (they will also return on March 3).