Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is making headlines for off-court issues again.
According to New York Daily News, Smith, a 12-year veteran, was accused of choking a 19-year-old student near Chelsea pizza shop after the teen mocked Smith’s trade to Cavs last season.
The alleged incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Nov. 13 outside Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, near the popular lounge 1 OAK. Smith reportedly confronted the teen, Justin Brown, after Brown heckled Smith, 30, for being traded from the New York Knicks last season.
The Cavs had been in New York to take on the Knicks later that evening.
From police sources, Smith allegedly pinned Brown against the building exterior and had his hands around Brown’s neck.
Smith has not talked to the police, but did send out a tweet and addressed the allegations against him at Saturday’s shootaround.
“First of all, things haven't been reported the right way,” Smith said. “But the team and I have spoke. We had conversations. Coach (David Blatt), Griff (general manager David Griffin) and some of the players. I just don't want to be a distraction to nobody else. And we just got to move forward.”
Griffin also released a quick statement regarding Smith’s situation.
“We are aware of the story and have spoken to J.R. about it,” Griffin said. “J.R.'s attorney has issued a statement on the matter and there will be no further comment from the team on this at this point.”
It remains to be seen if these allegations will prove to be another distraction to Smith, who is having a poor start after signing a two-year, $10 million deal in the summer. Smith is averaging 9.2 points on 36.0 percent shooting, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 31 minutes per game.