Lillard defends J.R.'s 'Supreme' tattoo: 'They own his body?'
Damian Lillard disagrees with the NBA threatening to impose financial penalties onto J.R. Smith should the Cleveland Cavaliers veteran have the "Supreme" logo tattoo on his right calf exposed during games.
The Portland Trail Blazers All-Star tweeted out in defense of Smith on Wednesday night, questioning the league's thought process on the issue.
Jr Smith really gone get fined for showing his tat? They own his body ?
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 3, 2018
Good one https://t.co/fnL1yHDLIV
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 3, 2018
Article XXXVII in the league's collective bargaining agreement states: "Other than as may be incorporated into his Uniform and the manufacturer’s identification incorporated into his Sneakers, a player may not, during any NBA game, display any commercial, promotional, or charitable name, mark, logo or other identification, including but not limited to on his body, in his hair, or otherwise."
While Smith has admitted that his ink was merely for aesthetic purposes and not because of a deal with Supreme, he has agreed to cover it up with a leg sleeve moving forward.
"I'm not giving them money that could go to my kids,'' Smith said, according to ESPN's Jackie MacMullan. "I was looking into (my rights), but the players' association just texted me, and you know what? I'm not going to put money in their pockets. Not a chance."