Nuggets' Smith off the hook for elbow that missed
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 15, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.
Updated January 15, 2009 at 4:02 p.m.
Nuggets guard J.R. Smith will not be suspended or fined for throwing an elbow on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks that did not connect.
An NBA official confirmed to the Rocky Mountain News on Thursday the case against Smith is closed and he will incur no penalties.
"Obviously, it didn't meet the criteria," said the official. "The elbow didn't connect."
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wrote in an e-mail to the Rocky early Wednesday morning that he told Smith during the game he expected him to be suspended for the elbow in the direction of Dallas swingman Antoine Wright's head.
"If they don't suspend or fine him, that's up to (the NBA)," Cuban wrote in an e-mail Thursday afternoon to the Rocky. "I strongly feel it sends the exact wrong message to players and fans."
Cuban referred to Smith being involved in the Nuggets' December 2006 brawl at New York. Smith was suspended for 10 games.
"The two worst events that have hit the NBA in the last five years were the brawls that have occurred," wrote Cuban, also referring to a November 2004 brawl between Indiana and Detroit. "This was a case where a participant in one of those brawls threw an unsportsmanlike and unwarranted elbow at the head of another player. . . . I first brought it to the attention of NBA security, and asked them to bring it to the attention of the officials.
"The very last thing this league needs is another brawl, and to allow that door to even be open would have been a huge mistake… What happens if the next elbow he throws doesn't miss?"
Nuggets coach George Karl, who has taken issue with Cuban talking to one of his players, said his players have told him Cuban wanted Smith suspended for five games.
"That's what I thought it should be," Cuban confirmed in his Thursday e-mail. "It was a dangerous, unsportsmanlike play."
Karl got the word from his front office at 9:45 a.m. Thursday that Smith wouldn't be suspended and would be available to play Thursday night against Phoenix.
"The feedback right now from what the front office told me before shootaround is J.R. will play," Karl said after the morning shootaround.
The official said the league is still investigating whether any action will be taken against Cuban, and a decision could be reached Friday. In addition to Karl expressing displeasure in Cuban speaking to Smith, Cuban ran onto the court after the game and was yelling.
The Nuggets won 99-97 after a controversial foul with 2.2 seconds left that allowed Chauncey Billups to hit the game-winning free throws. Cuban has written in an e-mail to the Rocky he wasn't talking to the officials but to an unnamed Denver supporter.
Karl said Smith will get his second straight start Thursday night in place of Carmelo Anthony, who will miss his fourth straight game due to a broken right hand.
Also, Billups missed the morning shootaround due to illness. But Karl expects he will play tonight.
"He has a bit of a bug and flu, and we sent him home early," Karl said. " would be shocked if Chauncey didn't play."
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January 15, 2009
12:11 p.m.
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avsfan71085 writes:
Good now fine Cuban
January 15, 2009
12:58 p.m.
buffsblg writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 15, 2009
1:21 p.m.
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jersey writes:
"Clueless" ok as for his playing but starting him again after the fiasco performance against Dallas? Helloooo, he is not a starter "Doughboy" and serves us better coming off the bench in providing the spark, which in case you haven't noticed, is his forte! Your ineptness is only surpassed by your arrogance in not admitting the error of your ways even when those errors are as evident as your girth! What about playing Balkman? Petro? Now there's a novel idea! Do you even know where they sit on YOUR bench or what they look like? As for recognizing either one of them to insert them stands about as much chance of you recognizing a Slimfast Shake!
January 15, 2009
1:25 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
Good! I can't wait to see Cuban crying about this. Bring the tears Cuban! Bring em!
Hopefully Billups is ok. That makes me nervous.
January 15, 2009
1:38 p.m.
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bassman writes:
jersey-petro just got here so I wouldn't expect him to play much yet. Bur, I agree Balkman isn't being used enough. He should've been brought in against Nowitzki, if nothing else than foul him. Don't know why Karl never plays him. He can be a terror on the defensive end, althouogh a liability on offense.
January 15, 2009
1:45 p.m.
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leavemealone writes:
Cuban should go blow some snow!
January 15, 2009
1:51 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
they deleted buffs posting????? What is Cuban in the running to buy the RMN?
Agree with Balkman!!!! He should be getting some good playing time. Is he in the doghouse, nagging injuries or what. Have heard nothing official
January 15, 2009
2:09 p.m.
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anthony1979 writes:
I agree w/ COLlibertarian...Balkman should be starting and JR should still be coming off the bench...JR plays like garbage anytime he starts...
January 15, 2009
2:11 p.m.
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jersey writes:
bassman: I know Petro just got here but just how long does it take to see what he can or cannot do? To the best of my knowledge he did pass his physical and is not injured. Baptism by fire is what I say. We should all be so lucky to draw a king's ransom to ride the "Pine". As for Balkman being a liability on offense and an terror on defense. Do you remember TR Dunn and the great job he did for us back in the day? The two are synonymous I'de say. Like it or not it's a specialized league and has been that way for as long as I can remember!
January 15, 2009
2:14 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
anthony
Have you heard anything on why Balkman is not playing? I know he got reduced time early as he had some nagging ankle??/foot?? injuries. But since Birdman came back or just before Balkman started getting splinters:-)
January 15, 2009
2:16 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
jersey,
Not the biggest Karl fan in the bunch, but who would you put in his place to have a championship team now?
January 15, 2009
2:16 p.m.
ONEman writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 15, 2009
2:28 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Last night's ESPN game between the Lakers and Spurs was an instant classic. Anyone happen to catch it? The 24 second clock was never a factor. Shades of our days with Paul Westhead as our coach. Give me Mark Jackson, Mike Tirico and Jeff Van Gundy as announcers any day of the week. With the game being on TNT tonight vs Phoenix I'm afraid we will get motormouth Doug Collins and screaming "right between the eyes" Harlan. Maybe they'll do the Cleveland - Chicago game beforehand. Can't stand them but they are still better than mushmouth Hastings and his puppet, "Lexus drive of the game" what's his face!
January 15, 2009
2:29 p.m.
ONEman writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 15, 2009
2:44 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
OneMan
Again who to replace Karl that will keep us going right now? Karl is not out there stopping ball in 3rd Q AC has his share of Stop Ball syndrome as anyone out there lately.
Coby Karl was cut at beginning of season. See you are up on the NBA rosters.....
January 15, 2009
2:46 p.m.
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earlbowden writes:
What happens to that a-hole Cuban?
January 15, 2009
2:52 p.m.
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jersey writes:
COLibertarian: Don't want you to think for a moment I'de consider myself. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, the laundry list of available candidates is far too numerous to list. Besides I'm not looking to develope carpel tunnel. Reggie Theus readily comes to mind in just naming one. Bottom line? Even Doug "what city am I in" Moe would be an improvement at this point!
January 15, 2009
2:54 p.m.
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Buff4Life writes:
In the 4 games I've been to, Balkman has played significant minutes in 1 game that I can remember and he wasn't effective. JR is a turnover/3PT machine, so it makes sense for him to just come off the bench to score when we need it or the matchup is right. Plus, is Karl even talking to JR now? I heard he only talks to him through his assistants? Seems strange to me, but whatever works with these guys...
Just be grateful we have Anderson. Without him, we'd have to soley rely on Kleiza, who just stands on the 3PT line so he can line up bricks.
I'm thoroughly impressed with KMart this year. Wow. Turnaround City from 2 years ago.
January 15, 2009
3:05 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
Jersey
Not implying that at all. Again not a Karl fan, but Reggie? I know the brothers (just like Monfort) have not done well with the ownership there, but could not see Reggie here at all. I may be over-ruled by the wife and other lady Nugget fans, but no to Reggie :-)
I have more questions of the upper Mgt before I have issues with Karl. Get a GM and then we can start looking at a coach. GMs are supposed to be suits, but cmon a bit of passion and zest for the job please........not bean counters.........
January 15, 2009
3:09 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Col: True "Clueless" is not out there himself but c'mon now. It's his "Watch" my man. If it was just my assertion that we win in spite of him rather than because of him I would willingly step back and re-evaluate my perspective. However, there are far too many game savy posters, and I consider you to be one as well, who share my view of the "Doughboy's" capabilities. Sooner or later the game passes everyone by be it player, coach, GM or the like. His ideas have become stale and cookie cutter in concept. I just don't believe he can get us over the top!
January 15, 2009
3:20 p.m.
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jersey writes:
COL: Just curious. Why not Reggie? He did more with far less talent but was the victim of impatient owners, unlike here, not willing to accept the team being mediocre. Kronke on the other hand does not seem to have a problem with being eliminated in the first round year end and year out. Just keep filling the arena baby, and let them eat cake!
January 15, 2009
3:23 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
Jersey
Show me a hard nosed physical style coach and I will get season tickets(the good ones) I am an ol style No layups, no free movement type defensive NBA guy. I also believe in ball movement. That means movement without the ball......... HeII our coach used to deflate a practice ball and made us play full court......... even those that didnt get it tried to dribble......which meant blood runs for everyone....... Other than the squeeking of the shoes and heavy breathing.....it was pretty quiet without the ball hitting the floor..........
Karl needs to go to the college ranks where he can implement his "finesse" system with hand picked kids. I think he would have some very good teams. Not with this NBA roster..........
January 15, 2009
3:29 p.m.
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jersey writes:
OneMan: My Giants went down to a far better team that day. My hats off to them. As you know the NFL is not the NBA or MLB as far as playing the best 4 out of seven. We did some things that obviously did not work out but they had a lot to do with those things not working out. I will see you in the Fall once again at your place of business. What's up with that? Would like nothing better than to see the battle of "PA" with the Eagles and Steelers. We'll see shortly!
January 15, 2009
3:31 p.m.
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jersey writes:
COL: Seems like we are of the same era. As for old school, hell I was on the construction crew!
January 15, 2009
4:09 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
Everything I say on here and I get deleted for criticizing Cuban?! Ok, more correct, I believe that Cuban is a boil on the bottom of the NBA and he needs to be lanced as soon as possible.
January 15, 2009
4:24 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
What a shame Bffsblg. But agree with you completely.........
But have a dilemna for you. Not sure if you are a Rockies fan or not.......but since he was looking to buy a MLB team, would you like him here instead of the Brothers Monfort?
Jersey
Like Reggie, just dont think he would be all that different than Karl. Yes better HR guy when it comes to players, but he coached soft. He had some weight to throw around......and he didnt use them like I would have expected.
January 15, 2009
4:36 p.m.
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buffsblg writes:
Hard hypothetical Libertarian: given the unfair playing ground in baseball a deep pocket owner is a huge advantage and Cuban certainly will spend to get better. However he is such a complete and total Jerk I would have to say winning is not worth it. Close call though.
January 15, 2009
4:39 p.m.
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avsfan88 writes:
Cuban is a joke and a disgrace to owners, he of all people should not be lecturing professionalism.
January 15, 2009
4:48 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Cuban is an idiot and a clueless one at that. Hey Cuban, your Mavericks lost for a third time to the Nuggets this season. Deal with it, loser! Asking for a five game suspension for an elbow that missed but being okay with your own player, Dirty Nowitzki, purposely taking a shot at the head of an opponent and knocking him down hard....... what the refs and the NBA termed as a flagrant foul, and Nowitzki only getting a one game suspension is why you're borderline mental midget, Cuban. Why should JR get 5 games for nothing while Dirty gets one for injuring an opponent on a flagrant? Sounds like sour grapes, and all because your team can't beat the Nuggets this year.
January 15, 2009
5:45 p.m.
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gylizard1 writes:
Cuban has got to be the biggest SPOILED BRAT I have ever seen..how stupid that he wants JR to get a 5 game suspension for contact that never even occurred..when his own player flagrantly fouled a guy in the head and got a 1 game suspension..rediculous! As far as Renaldo being a liability..I dont get that at all! He is the only one who cuts hard to the basket and gets easy layups and always fights hard for the rebounds..I would much rather see him in there playing hard that JR throwing up bricks all the time..when he takes it hard to the basket he is hard to stop..but NO..he insists on taking jumper after jumper that don't connect. At least Renaldo works hard on defense and actually cuts to the basket and works hard for rebounds..Karl has his head up his YOU KNOW WHAT! And..he still hasn't given Petro a chance to play..geeeeeez..you finally get a 7 footer who can run the court and you don't even play him..Karl is just clueless!
January 15, 2009
6:47 p.m.
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ONEman writes:
COLibertarian are you kidding me? I'd take your mom coaching the team over Karl. One would have to be an idiot to not notice how Karls game management and lineups have been our weakness. He does'nt even do silmple things like call timeouts and make adjustments when opponents go on runs. You seem to have a lot to say about everyone else's complaints of Dumb George. If your so smart what's the problem? It's not our players. It's the setup of our team. Make your point but quit bashing our comments. Are you the jerk who removed my posts? What was the point of that? Why don't you stay in the politics articles and leave the sporttalk to the real men.
As for me staying current in my NBA, I am up to par just don't follow the lame ducks like Kobe Karl.
January 15, 2009
7:41 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
Oneman, I will repeat for your benefit. I am not a Karl fan. I have asked you a simple question. Simple 1 question that you do not answer. The only thing I criticized was your knowledge of NBA rosters. Hate on the guy all you want.....But did ask you what you would realistically replace him with.
I have explained to Jersey my views on what I would like to see for a coach. I do not see one available out there........
Oneman, I did not delete your posts. Never have deleted any and if you see my political views einstein you would definately know my free speech stance and how important that is........In actuality here is what I originally asked you
"OneMan
Again who to replace Karl that will keep us going right now? Karl is not out there stopping ball in 3rd Q AC has his share of Stop Ball syndrome as anyone out there lately.
Coby Karl was cut at beginning of season. See you are up on the NBA rosters....." Last comment yes smartarse on my part......but first part is all question and actually asked that and had dialogue with Jersey. We discussed....... You attack......
Fat bastard status for me now, but if you ever want to play let me know. Real men? Right dude......... You wanna beat my arse on the court, go for it dude..... You can cry about the way you percieve you were treated on here, but dude no crying on the court for how you would be treated :-)
You bia$^tch and moan but put nothing forward like answering a simple question in a respectful way.
January 15, 2009
9:25 p.m.
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ONEman writes:
COLibertarian writes:
Oneman, I will repeat for your benefit. I am not a Karl fan. I have asked you a simple question. Simple 1 question that you do not answer.
Hmm well let's see I'd take Adrian Dantley. That's who. Van Gundy, Mark Jackson or Avery Johnson. Was that intended to be a difficult question? As I said earlier "I'll take your mom over Karl." He's not even trying, we could be so much better with a coach who gives a damn. I say he has no heart for the game anymore and let's his personal vendetas trump the over all good of the team. That's like cancer you have to get rid of it as soon as it starts. Give us somebody anybody who's paying attention to what's going on. If Karl is such a good coach ., why do his lineups get criticized by analysts and fans all the time? So your not a Karl fan so what. Quit making excuses for what he's not doing. Rather than telling us to not only accept it... but like it too? You know where you can shove that idea.
January 16, 2009
10:43 a.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
Oneman I never said you had to accept it. Nor have I said like it. Please show me that........You are making some lame arse assumptions there dude. I am saying that how can you fire a coach instantly with this record? I agree that Karl does not have the heart anymore. I thought Karl should have been fired looong time ago..........You are wanting to pick a fight for no damn reason.....Thats all! I asked you a valid question on who you would want to come in right now and you pick a fight over 3 other reasons than answering the damn question. I would definately go 100% for Avery. Most I would bring in at beginning of season(Where I thought Karl should have been let go at end of last season)
Adrien Dantley is a great guy. He is more offensive minded and I have written where my passion lies....in Defense! I did not like how he coached the game last year. I understand first game..... But I feel that we do Not have any padding for conversion this season. You and I agree completely on Avery..... That was all I was trying to see OneMan. I wanted to see where you thought we should go rather than ranting about a fatman.......
Since you failed to bring up the offer of on-court discussions of play, I assume you can call me names and tell me where to shove it as long as there are different IP's between us. Getting rid of the fatman status myself.....you wanna set up a play.....then lets do it.........otherwise I will it will just be internet trash talk. Or is the fact that you found my shoes under your bed the true problem and why you are so mad??? :-)