Bird — arrested and arraigned in September for a domestic incident in which he allegedly assaulted, choked, and kidnapped a person with whom he had a romantic relationship — is being charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and kidnapping.

The session was brief and administrative, with Bird’s next court date scheduled for Jan. 30. Among those alongside Bird were his attorney, Brian Kelly, and Jaylen Brown’s mother, Mechalle, who is responsible for supervising the 24-year-old as part of the conditions of his release.


After spending his rookie season as a two-way player with the Maine Red Claws, Boston’s G League affiliate, Bird signed a two-year contract with the Celtics in July. He has been listed as inactive because of “personal reasons.”

The Celtics released a statement following Bird’s arraignment, saying the matter is in hands of the league and local authorities.

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