Former NBA champion JR Smith is back in the headlines for something far removed from basketball after being arrested in Texas on a family violence assault charge.
The 41-year-old was taken into custody Monday by Royse City police and booked into the Hunt County Detention Center on a charge of assault causing “bodily injury family violence,” according to jail records.
Authorities said Smith was driving along Interstate 30 when officers spotted his license plate and discovered an outstanding warrant issued by Southlake police. His brother was riding with him and was allowed to take possession of the vehicle following the arrest.
A judge set Smith’s bond at $5,000 Tuesday. He remained in custody as of midday, according to jail records.
Southlake police described the matter as an “ongoing investigation” and declined to disclose additional details. Smith is expected to be arraigned in Tarrant County.
In 2009, Smith received a 90-day jail sentence, with 60 days suspended, following a 2007 car crash that killed his friend. He was also ordered to complete 500 hours of community service.
“It’s been unbearable to deal with. I’m deeply sorry,” he told the court at the time.
Smith won championships with Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers during his 16-season NBA career. After retiring from basketball, he played college golf at North Carolina A&T and graduated in May.