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Report: Ex-Cal star Jabari Bird sought treatment before alleged attack

San Jose Mercury News - 9/19/2018

Sept. 19--Former Cal star Jabari Bird of the Boston Celtics was reportedly receiving mental health treatment leading up to his arrest for allegedly repeatedly choking and kicking his girlfriend.

A source told ESPN'sMarc Spears a Celtics doctor was helping with treatment for the one-time Salesian High of Richmond standout, and that it's possible medication contributed to Bird's role in the incident.

While Bird's girlfriend was recovering from injuries she suffered while allegedly enduring four hours of physical abuse from him on Sept. 7, Bird was undergoing psychiatric evaluation until being arraigned last week. Bird was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery of a family or household member, kidnapping and strangulation.

The unidentified woman told police she and Bird were arguing at his residence in Massachusetts. She said Bird kicked her multiple times, threw her against a wall and strangled her until she went "limp."

The 24-year-old Bird has spent most of his career in the G-League, playing in just 13 games last season for the Celtics and averaging 3.0 points.

Bird is the latest NBA player with mental health issues as All-Stars Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan both revealed their struggles last season. On Tuesday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and players association chief Michele Roberts sent a letter to remind NBA players that help is available for their mental wellness.

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