Nuggets Suspend J.R. Smith For Three Games In Regular Season

October 21, 2007 7:45 a.m. EST

Denver, CO (AHN) - Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was suspended by his team on Saturday for three regular season games because of an undisclosed team infraction.

The club's announcement of the reprimand was the second suspension for Smith in the past year. The former first round pick by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2004 draft was given a 10-game suspension last season because of his fighting in a game against the New York Knicks.

While no one was ready to name what Smith did to warrant his most recent punishment, a Nuggets spokesman said the suspension was because of "conduct detrimental to the team."

Smith is reportedly taking the suspension to heart as club officials released a statement stating what the basketball player said to his teammates concerning the whole episode.

"I take full responsibility for my actions that led to this suspension," Smith allegedly said. "I realize that the organization wants to help me become not only a better player but also the best person I can off the court."

As a result of the suspension, Smith will not be able to play in Denver's season opener on Oct. 31. He will also miss the team's games on Nov. 2 and Nov. 4.

This season is the second one for Smith in Denver. Last year, he averaged 13.0 points, 1.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds a game for the Nuggets.

Prior to 2006-07, he played with the Hornets for two seasons and his best year was his rookie one in which Smith averaged 10.3 points and 1.9 assists a game.