JR Smith Turns Himself In: Charged With Criminal Mischief

Photo Credit To Joseph Roman Via Flickr

NBA

JR Smith Turns Himself In: Charged With Criminal Mischief

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting-guard JR Smith turns himself in. Smith is being charged with criminal mischief. He has been arrested from an incident that happened in July involving a fan’s cell phone in Chelsea Park, New York. TMZ Sports reported that Smith had stolen a fan’s cell phone who had tried to get photos with him. Allegedly, Smith grabbed the phone from the fan and threw it into a construction site, thusly damaging the fan’s cell phone.

July Incident Leads To NY Police Department

TMZ Sports reported that Smith had appeared in an NY Police department last Friday. Smith charged with crimina mischief stemming from an incident with a fan earlier in July.

Smith’s Attorney Alex Spiro stated to TMZ Sports:

“This is nonsense, we aren’t responding to nonsense. He was issued with a ticket.

Although this may be true at this time, It’s uncertain how much jail time the former NBA champion could receive. Additionally, Smith could be given fines and any other stipulations the Judge orders. These allegations seemingly are not a good record in Smith’s NBA career.

Camera Holding NBA Fans Should Be Wary

NBA fans who are not shy to take images of NBA players should be respectful. They should also be cautious. That would be great advice to give them. Athletes should have certain rights to privacy, even in public. It may well be a preventive measure if NBA fans ask for a photo opportunity with any athlete before taking them.

This would help maintain privacy and perhaps keep fans out of harms way. Can we really blame Athletes for such incidents? Do we place blame on Athletes trying to have normal lives outside of their sport? This situation has occurred before and seems to be a trending reaction. Perhaps both sides need to be cautious before shooting a camera or striking out defensively.

Photo Credit

Joseph Roman via Flickr