J.R. Smith’s attorney is calling foul on claims that his client violently choked a heckler outside a Chelsea pizza shop, hours before the Cavs played the Knicks.
Smith’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, told cleveland.com via e-mail that “the accusation is completely false. There’s no reason to think he will ever be charged.” Spiro said Smith was not questioned by New York police.
An NBA spokesman told cleveland.com: “We are aware of the reports and are in the process of obtaining more information.”
According to the report from the New York Daily News, Smith was allegedly involved in an incident outside Artichoke Basille’s Pizza about 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, nearly 16 hours before the Cleveland Cavaliers played the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Smith was reportedly on his cell phone, when the heckler started going in about his trade to the Cavs.
Officials for the Cavs say they are aware of the accusations levied against Smith.