J.R. Smith jailed for driving without license; Bonded out shortly after wards - NBA Update
New York Knicks’ guard J.R. Smith was arrested in Miami recently for driving a car without valid driver’s license. However he was released shortly after wards.
The incident took place on Friday’s eve when he was driving on Washington Avenue in south Beach. The circumstance under which he was pulled over is still not clear but it has been confirmed that Smith was taken to Miami-Dade County jail and was released just before midnight at the provision of a bond.
He will be presented in front of judge but the date is not announced.
This was not the first time he violated the law. Earlier last year, he was booked for driving a motorbike without driving license, also in Miami. He didn’t show up for the court hearing then and consequently a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Interestingly he was booked by same officer on both occasions.
Smith’s reckless driving has already claimed a life in 2007, when Smith was driving a SUV and he allegedly ignored a stop sign enroute to a collision with a car. The passenger of the other car, identified as 21-year-old Andre Bell, died on the spot due to head injuries.
Smith was found guilty of reckless driving and had to spend 24 days in jail. After that incident, he collected 2 more speeding tickets and his license was suspended thrice in New Jersey.
Smith’s reckless attitude has translated into his professional career as well and his numbers are coming down by the years.
Smith can become a free agent this summer or he can pick the player option worth $2.5 million to stay with the New York Knicks, who had used their mini mid-level exception on him, back in February.
The Knicks haven’t shown any interest in re-hiring him so far and have declined to comment about his arrest. Knicks GM Grunwald refrained from commenting on the situation.
"We're aware of it but it's a legal matter right now and I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment."
The 6’6’’ guard averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 boards and 2.4 assists in 35 games this season while he averaged 12.2 points in 5 postseason games.
He was only 32 % from the floor in the post season and failed to provide that extra spark, Knicks needed off the bench.
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