J.R. Smith Regrets Getting Involved In Physical Altercation With Vandal: “When It Happened, I Seen Red. …I’m Still Disappointed In Myself”

On Sunday, as people were protesting in response to the death of George Floyd, one individual got carried away and smashed the windows of JR Smith’s car.

The incident was caught on video and made it’s way around the internet, prompting Smith to make a video to address the situation by explaining what happened and defending his actions.

Now, in a new interview with the ‘Pat McAfee Show,’ Smith expresses his regret for his actions.

“It was just a random act of stupidness, and I give him that. But, that ass whooping was a random act of stupidness on my behalf,” Smith stated.

Smith also explained how he’s the only black person who lives on his block.

“You want to peacefully protest, 100 percent, we can do that nonstop, all day. Once you get to vandalizing people’s personal property, that has nothing to do with nothing… honestly I’m the only black guy on my block. I’m the only black person on this corner. So for you to randomly just think you’re doing something for the people, the one black person who is able to get out their situation and move into a nice neighborhood and do all of those things that we aspire to do, you broke that person’s window without even knowing,” Smith shared.

The former Cleveland Cavalier feels that the vandal wouldn’t have done any damage, had Smith been visible near the car or property.

“Granted, if he would’ve seen me, and seen somebody outside the car or outside the house or whatever, do I think he would’ve broke it? Absolutely not,” Smith added.

Smith shared that part of his disappointment stems from the fact that he’s a father and doesn’t want to taint his image.

“When it happened, I seen red. Then when I finally snapped to and [realized] what was going on, I was so… I’m still disappointed with myself, even though people say I shouldn’t be. …For me I’m 34 years old. I have 4 little girls at home. I don’t want that image, regardless of the fact whether it was right or wrong, I don’t want them to have that image of their dad being capable of doing that, and doing something like that.” Smith continued.

As for the protests, Smith supports the peaceful protests, however, he suggests things shouldn’t turn to violence.

“This man was down there for 8 minutes and 46 seconds for no reason. Literally, taking the life from him. Calling for his dead mother,” Smith said. “And then, we go out here and try to represent his name in a good way and between tarnishing people’s shops— like so many people have nothing to do with the situation. …We should be able to lock arms and stand in front of somebody’s store and say no, this is not right. Being able to do stuff like this isn’t right.”