J.R. Smith is facing new legal restrictions after a Texas judge ordered him to stay away from a woman who accused him of physical assault last month. The former NBA champion is now prohibited from contacting his alleged victim as his family violence case moves forward.
According to court documents reported by the California Post, the emergency protective order was signed September 29, 2026, one day after Smith was arrested in Texas. The order remains in effect through December 29.
The restrictions are extensive. Smith, 41, cannot communicate with the woman directly, with contact permitted only through legal representation. He must also remain approximately 1,000 feet away from her residence and workplace. Additionally, the judge prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition while the order remains active.
The protective order follows allegations involving an incident that reportedly occurred on September 18.
According to a criminal complaint detailed by the New York Post, Smith allegedly “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” caused bodily injury to a woman by hitting, grabbing, or pushing her with his hand.
The woman’s identity has not been publicly disclosed. However, the complaint describes her as someone who was either a member of Smith’s family or household or involved in a dating relationship with him. Authorities have not publicly clarified the exact nature of their relationship.
The allegations led Southlake police to issue an arrest warrant for Smith.
As previously reported by CBS News Texas, Smith was taken into custody September 28 after a police officer in Royse City received an automated license plate reader alert identifying a vehicle connected to an outstanding warrant.
Officers located the vehicle traveling along Interstate 30 and confirmed Smith was behind the wheel. He was arrested and transported to the Hunt County Detention Center.
His brother was reportedly riding in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop.
Smith was booked on one count of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence. He spent the night in custody before posting a $5,000 bond and being released September 29.
The protective order adds another layer to the ongoing criminal proceedings, although its issuance does not establish that Smith committed the alleged assault.
Smith’s attorney, Justin A. Moore, previously defended his client’s right to due process.
“JR is eager to see this matter resolved and has full confidence in the legal process,” Moore said in a statement to the Post.
“He is presumed innocent,” Moore continued, “and we will address this matter in Court. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process.”
The attorney reportedly did not provide additional comments following news of the protective order.
The legal trouble comes just months after Smith celebrated a significant personal milestone.
According to WBLS, the former shooting guard graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, focusing on applied cultural thought.
Smith enrolled at the historically Black university in 2021 after leaving professional basketball. He also joined the school’s golf program, drawing attention for pursuing a college education and a new athletic chapter after spending years in the NBA.
Before that transition, Smith built a 16-season professional basketball career that included an NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2013 and two championships alongside LeBron James. He helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the 2016 NBA Finals before earning another title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Now, Smith’s attention has shifted to the Texas criminal case, where the allegations remain unresolved.
The protective order is scheduled to expire December 29, unless further court action changes its terms. Smith has not been convicted in connection with the September allegations.
