The Nuggets have not backed down in their support of guard J.R. Smith, whose car accident Saturday resulted in the death of his friend Andre Bell, Smith’s father, Earl, said Tuesday.
Earl Smith said the Nuggets organization has been “100 percent” steadfast in standing by J.R. Smith, who enters the final year of his contract next season.
“The only thing we’re trying to do right now is be supportive of J.R.,” said Rex Chapman, vice president of player personnel for the Nuggets. “Obviously, it’s an unfortunate situation. He’s a young man. I have kids that aren’t much younger than J.R. We’re trying to just be here for the kid right now and be as supportive of the situation as we can.”
Chapman added: “What do you ever do when something like this happens to a family member or loved one or friend? You just try to be as much of a sounding board as you can and try to lend an ear and any guidance or perspective that you might have … ”
The team released a statement Tuesday saying Smith, 21, was “devastated by the loss of his good friend. He and his family have asked that we respect their privacy during this difficult time. They also ask that we continue to keep those involved in this accident and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”
Smith, who was released from the hospital Tuesday morning, and Bell had been good friends for the past six years, Earl Smith said. J.R. Smith is expected in Denver next week to undergo further examination by team trainers, Earl Smith said. According to his father, Smith is expected to be able to resume near full activity next week.
Chapman said the team is expecting Smith in town next week, but that “things could change” because of the fluidity of the situation.
Smith’s driving record has come to light in the aftermath of his latest incident. The Newark Star-Ledger reported Smith had 27 points against his license from April 22, 2005, to Jan. 10, 2006, and that five of the citations were from speeding. However, his license was reportedly in good standing at the time of Saturday’s accident.
Smith was issued two summonses, one for failure to stop at a stop sign and another for improper passing. Smith and Bell were thrown from a sport utility vehicle that was hit by another car when Smith drove around a vehicle in front of him at a stop sign in Millstone Township, N.J.
New Jersey State Police spokesman Sgt. Stephen Jones said Smith could face additional charges, but that would be determined after the state prosecutor analyzed all of the information in the case. Part of that information is from a toxicology test, which Jones said was done on Smith at the hospital over the weekend. Jones said Tuesday the test results could take four to six weeks.
Chapman said the Nuggets have not considered the legal aspects of the case: “Out of respect for J.R. and the families of the people involved in this, it wouldn’t be something that we would speak to.”
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
