MIAMI (AP) - Former Kentucky guard DeAndre Liggins is back in the NBA with the Miami Heat after felony domestic violence charges against him were recently dropped in Oklahoma City.
Liggins signed a 10-day contract with the Heat and joined them for practice Tuesday. He had been playing for the Heat’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
“We did extensive research on everything about him, on the court, off the court,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Everything checked out fine. We feel we’ve gotten to know him very well, especially our Sioux Falls staff. Based our evaluations, we felt it was time to take a look at him and get to know him.”
Liggins has played in 56 NBA games for Oklahoma City and Orlando.
He was originally charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of domestic abuse in the presence of a minor and one count of violating a protective order. He was arrested in August after his girlfriend told police he attacked her in front of their 2-year-old son.
Prosecutors are expected to refile the charge as a single misdemeanor count of domestic abuse.
“We all make mistakes, unfortunately,” Liggins said. “I learned from it and I moved past that, and I’m ready to get back on track.”
In 35 games with Sioux Falls, Liggins averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.5 steals, and he made the league’s all-star team.
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