J.R. Smith was on the court Tuesday, which meant he wasn’t in court in New Jersey.
The Nuggets guard now faces a contempt charge for failing to appear in municipal court, a pretrial conference set because of Smith’s involvement with a 2007 car crash that led to the death of a good friend.
According to the Asbury Park Press, Smith is expected to appear in court Feb. 17 for the rescheduled pretrial conference — and the contempt charge hearing — and that date conveniently falls during a Nuggets’ East Coast road trip.
In court Tuesday, Smith’s lawyer Greg Mordas told judge Debra Gelson that he took responsibility for Smith’s absence, according to the newspaper, and told Smith that because it was a pretrial conference, Smith didn’t need to attend.
“I understand, but this is a fatal accident,” Gelson said. “He is required to be at every pretrial hearing. . . . Mr. Smith is to appear (Feb. 17).”
“He will be here,” Mordas said.
Smith’s 2007 crash killed his friend, Andre Bell, and now Smith faces five traffic charges — improper passing, failure to stop, speeding (67-plus mph in a 35-mph area), reckless driving and failure to wear a seat belt.
Last week, a New Jersey grand jury declined to indict Smith on charges of vehicular homicide, so the shooting guard will not face prison time for the crash.
Proud papa.
George Karl might be at All-Star Weekend, after all.
Karl normally spends the off time with family, but it’s possible his son, Coby, will be there for the Developmental League’s All-Star Game. After a stellar performance in the D-League’s Showcase (a 16-game event featuring all the D-League teams, played last week in Orem, Utah), the Idaho Stampede guard was named first-team All-Showcase. With that, Karl made the ballot for the D-League All-Star Game, played in Phoenix during All-Star Weekend. Fans can vote on .
“He’s played very well the last couple weeks,” coach Karl said. “I know he’s anxious to do whatever it takes to get back in the league, and I think this is another steppingstone for him of recognition and the ability to play in front of a lot of scouts.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
