Report: Players' Union mulling appeal of J.R. Smith's 50K fine

As J.R. Smith's antics dwarf the New York Knicks three-game winning streak, the National Basketball Players Association may keep the disgruntled guard firm in the headlines, as they weigh the possibility of appealing his $50,000 fine, according to the New York Post.

Smith garnered the punishment for "recurring instances of unsportsmanlike conduct," the latest, his pantomime attempt to untie the shoelace of Detroit Pistons F/C Greg Monroe.

The premise of the unions' argument would likely be Smith's failure to actually untie the lace, and the uncertainty to whether or not he even made contact with Monroe.

However, the NBA's ambiguity in imposing Smith's forfeiture likely indicates Smith's entire running shoelace gag, rather than solely his run-in with Monroe.

There is video evidence (below) of Smith successfully unlacing two opponents - Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion and Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard. It should be noted that Howard attempted to retaliate later in the game, and hasn't been disciplined for the same action.

[H/T - oakleyand allen via  Youtube]

[H/T - PistonPowered via Youtube]