According to a report by the New York Daily News, Cleveland Cavaliers’ shooting guard JR Smith has been accused of choking a 19-year-old high school student. The incident allegedly happened outside a pizza shop in Chelsea after the student joked about Smith’s trade to the Cavaliers. Smith was in town to play against the New York Knicks.
Smith has had his share of problems since entering the NBA, but this is the most serious allegation against him. If it is indeed true, Smith could face a lengthy suspension. On the basketball front, that could be a major problem with guards Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert still out for the foreseeable future with injuries.
Meanwhile, Smith’s lawyer has completely denied the reports and allegations against his client:
Lawyer for JR Smith, Alex Spiro, said allegation Smith choked a man in NYC last week is "absolutely false." Smith has not spoken with police
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) November 20, 2015
This will be a situation to keep an eye on as more details emerge.
