A number of sources have stated to the Herald that actions leading to Jabari Bird’s arrest on domestic-violence charges seem very much “out of character.” But those close to the situation say the Celtics guard had begun dealing with emotional issues in the weeks prior to the Sept. 7 incident.

Bird is charged with kidnapping and assault and battery on his girlfriend, with the police report alleging he choked her at least 12 times, kicked her and threw her against a wall while holding her against her will over a span of some four hours.

While the woman was being treated at a Boston area hospital, Bird was at a separate facility. It was first thought he was dealing with his own injuries, but it’s been confirmed he was undergoing psychiatric evaluation from the time of his arrest until his arraignment last Thursday.

People around Bird have been aware that he recently had been experiencing, according to one source close to him, “panic attacks and things like that. It wasn’t a long-term thing, but everyone knew. The Celtics knew there was something going on and he was being treated.”

Said another, “This wasn’t one of the domestic-violence situations you usually see where someone gets jealous for one thing and loses control. There was something deeper going on here with (Bird). This was a bad situation.”

No one seemed to believe Bird’s emotional issues would manifest themselves as they did, but now they have impacted someone else. His girlfriend received medical treatment and reported the incident. She may have saved Bird from a greater problem by making it known he had sent a text threatening to kill himself if she did not return to his apartment.

Because of that threat and the potential he could harm himself, police were prepared to break into Bird’s home if he didn’t answer the door when they arrived. But Bird had been contacted and convinced to surrender to authorities.

While his NBA career appears to be over for at least the time being, Bird’s statement following his arraignment indicates that he will be dealing with more critical personal issues — though he did not mention the victim.

“I’m taking some time away from the team as I deal with my legal and medical issues,” he said. “I apologize to my family, the Celtics organization, my teammates, the fans and the NBA for the unnecessary distraction that I have caused. The information that has been released does not tell the full story. I do not condone violence against women. I am hopeful that in due time and process, I will be able to regain everyone’s trust.”

The Celtics are letting the league handle the matter of Bird’s employment, prefacing that procedure by beginning their statement with, “Most importantly, our thoughts are with the victim of this incident.”

The club could conceivably cut Bird and not wait for the NBA office to potentially void his contract, but to do so would put the Celtics on the line for some $2.7 million — the $1,349,383 guaranteed for this season and an equal amount in luxury tax.