J.R. Smith Arrested on Assault Charge in Texas

Former NBA player J.R. Smith was arrested in Texas earlier this week on a misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury in a family violence case, according to court documents.

The incident allegedly occurred on September 18, when Smith “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” caused “bodily injury” to a female described as a member of his family or household, or with whom he had a dating relationship. The criminal complaint states the alleged assault involved Smith “hitting, grabbing or pushing” the woman with his hand.

A warrant for Smith's arrest was issued by the Southlake Police Department. He was apprehended during a traffic stop in Royse City on Monday afternoon after an automatic license plate reader alerted an officer that the vehicle's driver was a wanted person. Royse City Chief of Police Kirk Aldridge confirmed that the alert identified the wanted individual as Earl Joseph Smith III, with the charge being Family Violence Assault Causing Bodily Injury.

Smith was booked into jail on the misdemeanor charge and later released on a $5,000 bond on Tuesday night. He is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing later this month.

Smith's attorney, Justin A. Moore, released a statement asserting his client's innocence and expressing confidence in the legal process. "He is presumed innocent," Moore stated, "and we will address this matter in Court. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process."

Smith played in the NBA from 2004 to 2020 for teams including the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. He won two NBA championships and was named the Sixth Man of the Year for the 2012-13 season. In recent years, Smith has also pursued a career in amateur golf, having joined the men's golf team at North Carolina A&T.