The NBA announced today that J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets has been suspended without pay for seven games for pleading guilty to reckless driving, in violation of the law of the State of New Jersey, in connection with a 2007 accident resulting in the death of a passenger in Smith’s car, and for prior and subsequent motor vehicle offenses.
Smith’s suspension will commence with the first game of the 2009-10 NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
The following is a statement from Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien regarding J.R. Smith’s suspension: “The commissioner’s office has made it clear that it wants to set the highest standard of personal conduct for its athletes. We will support J.R. as he continues to deal with the tragic accident he was involved with two years ago and the consequences of his painful mistake. Being that this is strictly a league decision, we will have no further comment.”
Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post reports: At Smith’s June 30 trial, he was sentenced to 90 days in the Monmouth County (N.J.) jail but the judge suspended all but 30 days provided Smith performs 500 hours of community service. Because it was his second reckless driving offense, the maximum penalties are 90 days in jail and up to a $500 fine. Smith was fined the maximum plus $39 in other costs. Smith drove a 2003 GMC Yukon around a stopped car and through a stop sign, according to authorities at the scene of the June 9, 2007 crash. Smith drove through the intersection and his SUV was struck by a car, they said. The Yukon overturned, and Smith and Bell were ejected.
