Posted at 11:57 a.m., Saturday, October 20, 2007
NBA: Nuggets suspend Smith for 'detrimental' conduct
Associated Press
DENVER — Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was suspended for the first three games of the regular season "for conduct detrimental to the team."Nuggets player personnel director Mark Warkentien declined today to specify Smith's transgression.
"I take full responsibility for my actions that led to this suspension," Smith said in an apology distributed by the team. "I realize that the organization wants to help me become not only a better player, but also the best person I can off the court.
"I apologize to my teammates, the coaching staff, my family and Nuggets fans. I promise to learn from this situation and look forward to returning shortly and being the best teammate I possibly can."
Smith served a 10-game suspension last year for his role in a fight with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and was injured in a car crash last summer in New Jersey that killed his friend, Andre Bell, 21.
Smith, who drew coach George Karl's ire last year for firing up long jumpshots in the playoffs, will miss Denver's opener Oct. 31 against Seattle, as well as games at Minnesota on Nov. 2 and home against New Orleans on Nov. 4.
