Cavs' J.R. Smith reportedly being sued for alleged nightclub choking incident
Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is reportedly facing a hefty lawsuit for his alleged involvement in an altercation at a New York City nightclub in November.
While no charges were filed at the time of the incident and Smith was cleared of any wrongdoing, the alleged victim is now suing Smith for $2.5 million, according to ESPN.com.
Justin Brown, who was 19 at the time, approached Smith at a pizza shop at about 4 a.m. after Smith had left 1Oak, a well-known club in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. In a lawsuit filed Thursday, Brown claims Smith turned down a request for a photo and then choked and struck him in his head and neck area. Brown is suing for physical injuries and emotional distress.
Smith was asked to comment on the lawsuit after the Cavaliers' 107-93 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday night, but declined.
"No, I ain't got no comment on that," Smith said. "It is what it is. So, we'll just see what happens."
Smith acknowledged the Cavs organization, and thanked the team for its support regarding the situation.
"I mean, the organization has been great since I got here," he said. "Whether it was that or anything else, they've been unbelievable, so I'm grateful for that."
Smith's attorney, Alex Spiro, told ESPN.com that the claim was "frivolous," and said they plan to aggressively defend the suit and file a counterclaim for defamation. Spiro called the claim "a cash grab from the start."
