Knicks' J.R. Smith suspended one game for groin strike on Glen Rice Jr.
It took all of a week for J.R. Smith to get in trouble this NBA season.
The NBA suspended the New York Knicks guard/forward for one game without pay on Wednesday for striking Washington Wizards wing Glen Rice Jr. in the groin during play on Tuesday (video below). Smith will miss Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons as a result.
This isn't the first run-in with the NBA law for Smith, who has a long track record of league discipline:
- Jan. 8, 2014: $50,000 fine for untying shoelaces
- Nov. 15, 2013: $25,000 fine for hostile comments towards Brandon Jennings
- Sept. 6, 2013: 5-game suspension for violating anti-drug program
- May 10, 2103: $5,000 fine for flopping
- April 27, 2013: 1-game suspension for elbowing Jason Terry
- March 10, 2012: $25,000 fine for posting racy photos online
- Feb. 5, 2011: $25,000 fine for flagrant foul on Raja Bell
- Aug. 28, 2009: 7-game suspension for guilty reckless driving plea
- Oct. 20, 2007: 3-game suspension for conduct detrimental to team (from Denver Nuggets)
- Dec. 18, 2006: 10-game suspension for role in a brawl
With that kind of record, it's no surprise Smith didn't get any benefit of the doubt for Tuesday's incident.
In four games this season, Smith is averaging 7.5 points and four assists, shooting just 38.7 percent from the floor. He's struggled to learn the Knicks' new triangle-based offense but has at least looked a more willing passer than in years past.