Hornets’ Miles Bridges denied entry into Canada, misses Charlotte’s loss to Toronto Raptors

Miles Bridges was a long-distance cheerleader Monday night.

Bridges was denied access crossing the Canadian border with the rest of the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, according to league sources, and couldn’t get to Toronto in time for their 114-99 loss to the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.

The exact reason Bridges couldn’t clear the border is uncertain, but it could stem from the forward pleading no contest to felony domestic violence last year. In Canada, anybody with a criminal record may be excluded and denied entry into the country because of heightened enforcement.

Many convictions, including those for felonies, misdemeanor drug possession, DUI/DWI, reckless or negligent driving, shoplifting and theft, can make a person inadmissible into the country, no matter how long ago the incident occurred.

For that reason, those with past convictions may file for a waiver of exclusion before attempting to enter Canada. Often, several weeks are required to potentially receive clearance into the country and a fee must be paid.

Without Bridges, the Hornets were missing three-fifths of their projected starting lineup and seven rotation players in all against the Raptors. Mark Williams (low back contusion) sat out for the fifth straight game, Gordon Hayward (stomach virus) remained sidelined for the second consecutive outing, and LaMelo Ball (right ankle), Cody Martin (left knee) and Frank Ntilikina (left tibia) are still unavailable. Plus Nathan Mensah, signed to a two-way contract late last week and already playing backup center minutes given Williams’ absence, was also out for personal reasons.

“All I’m going to say is neither Miles nor Nate will be here with us tonight,” coach Steve Clifford said prior to tipoff. “And that’s all I’m going to say.”

At least PJ Washington returned after a shoulder injury had him in street clothes for the Hornets’ losses to New Orleans and Philadelphia.