NBA Rumors 2016: Cavs' J.R Smith Facing $2.5 Million Suit Over Choking Incident
Shooting guard J.R. Smith of the Cleveland Cavaliers is facing a $2.5 million suit in connection to a New York City nightclub altercation that left a 19-year old young man bruised and distressed. The team didn't need this, especially with LeBron James and the Eastern Conference leading squad setting their sights on a return trip to the NBA Finals this season. But here it is, an off-court issue that happened several months ago, an incident that Smith himself knows for a fact that he's going to be dealing with sooner or later.
According to an ESPN report, the veteran guard is being sued because he allegedly caused physical injuries as well as emotional distress to Justin Brown, who also is claiming that the assault took place in front of a pizza shop early morning right after Smith declined a request to have a photo taken. The alleged incident happen back in November, but after the Manhattan District Attorney conducted an investigation that spanned two months, there were no charges filed.
Smith being sued comes in the most inopportune time considering that James and the Cavs have been very vocal in trying to encourage everyone in the team to remain focused on the upcoming playoffs. It's not that big of a deal because only one player is involved, but it also doesn't deny the fact that it could become a distraction the Cavs don't really need right now.
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After their 107-93 win over the New York Knicks last Saturday, Smith was approached by reporters and the question about the lawsuit popped right out of the box. "No, I ain't got no comment on that," he said. "It is what it is. So, we'll just see what happens," he added.
Smith knows for a fact that the Cavs organization is right there to support him, but any type of incident like this won't be tolerated in a league that's full of it.
