JR Smith arrested on family violence assault charge in Texas

Dustin Judge
Tim Legler and the Dallas Mavericks had a successful time together. JR Smith

Former NBA champion JR Smith was faced a family violence assault charge after Royse City police stopped his vehicle on Interstate 30 in Texas, according to Hunt County jail records. Smith, 41, was booked into the Hunt County Detention Center after Royse City police stopped his vehicle and found an active warrant out of Southlake, Texas.

What happened

The Royse City Police Department said an automatic license plate reader flagged Smith’s vehicle at about 2:45 p.m. Monday as he drove eastbound on Interstate 30, according to Yahoo Sports. Officers stopped the car, identified Smith and confirmed the Southlake Police Department had issued a warrant for assault causing bodily injury family violence.

Royse City Police Chief Kirk Aldridge said Smith was driving with his brother at the time of the stop, according to ESPN. Police released the vehicle to Smith’s brother before taking Smith into custody and transporting him to the Hunt County jail. A Southlake police spokesperson told ESPN the department could not release further details on the case.

Southlake police have not publicly identified the alleged victim, described that person’s relationship to Smith or detailed the injuries alleged in the warrant, and the department told local reporters Tuesday the investigation remained ongoing, per Yahoo Sports. Smith has not been convicted of the charge.

Response

Smith’s representatives did not immediately respond to a message from ESPN requesting comment. No public statement from Smith or his legal team has surfaced since his arrest.

Bond and custody status

Jail records initially showed no bond had been set and Smith remained in custody as of midday Tuesday, according to ESPN. Updated jail records showed Smith posted a $5,000 bond on Tuesday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

What’s next

No court date has been made public.

Reporting from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, New York Post and Bleacher Report contributed to this story.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.