Knicks' J.R. Smith suspended one game for hitting Glen Rice Jr. in groin
New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith has been suspended one game without pay for striking Washington Wizards guard Glen Rice Jr. in the groin, the NBA announced Wednesday.
Smith will serve the suspension during the Knicks' game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
Howard Beck of Bleacher Report reports that the National Basketball Players Association plans to appeal the suspension on the grounds that the groin hit was unintentional. Smith will still serve the suspension on Wednesday, but a successful appeal would give him back the pay he loses.
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The play that got Smith the suspension occurred in the fourth quarter of Tuesday night's game between the Knicks and Wizards. Smith had the ball and hit Rice, who was defending him, in the groin as he tried to go past him. A foul was called on the play.
The Wizards won the game, 98-83, dropping New York to 2-2 on the season. Smith had six points, four assists and two rebounds in the loss.
Last season, Smith missed the Knicks first five games after he was suspended for violating the league's drug policy over the offseason.
- Molly Geary
