Legal Trouble Brews for Ex-NBA Champ JR Smith After Texas Arrest!
Former NBA champion J.R. Smith was arrested in Texas on a charge of assault causing "bodily injury family violence," with a $5,000 bond set. This incident comes years after his 2009 sentencing for reckless driving, highlighting a complex history for the two-time NBA champion who recently graduated college.
Former NBA champion J.R. Smith was arrested on Monday in Texas on a charge of assault causing "bodily injury family violence," according to official jail records. The 41-year-old was booked into the Hunt County Detention Center on Monday, following his arrest by the Royse City Police Department. A Hunt County magistrate judge set a $5,000 surety bond on Tuesday afternoon, though Smith reportedly remained in jail as of midday Tuesday.
The arrest stemmed from an alert received by the Royse City Police Department, indicating that the Southlake Police Department had issued a warrant for Smith. His vehicle's license plate was subsequently spotted on Interstate 30, northeast of Dallas. Officers identified and arrested Smith, who was driving with his brother at the time. The vehicle was released to Smith's brother upon the arrest. In a news release issued Tuesday, Southlake police stated that Smith's arrest is part of an "ongoing investigation" and declined to provide further details, noting that Smith is expected to be arraigned in Tarrant County.
This is not Smith's first encounter with legal issues. In 2009, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 60 days suspended, and 500 hours of community service for reckless driving. This sentence followed a car accident in 2007 that tragically resulted in the death of one of his friends. At the time, Smith expressed profound remorse, stating in court that "it's been unbearable to deal with. I'm deeply sorry," as reported by The Associated Press.
Throughout his decorated 16-season career in the NBA, J.R. Smith played for several prominent teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He last played a game in 2020 with the Lakers, concluding his career with averages of 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Smith achieved significant success, winning two NBA championships and earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2013.
Following his professional basketball career, Smith transitioned to college golf, playing for North Carolina A&T. He successfully graduated from the university in May.