JR Smith says the NBA is threatening to fine him over one of his tattoos.
Smith has long been known for having his body covered in tattoos, but he added an even more noticeable one over the summer. Smith got the Supreme logo tattooed on the back of his leg. Smith says that tattoo has the league’s attention.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard posted on Instagram Saturday that the NBA is threatening to fine him if he does not cover up his tattoo during games.
“These people in the league office are something else!” Smith wrote.
JR Smith says the NBA will fine him every game he doesn’t cover his Supreme leg tattoo pic.twitter.com/juUVCK2PwH
— Master (@MasterTes) September 29, 2018
As ridiculous as the entire matter sounds, the league does have some basis for making the threat. The NBA has a deal with Nike to be their apparel provider. Supreme is a competing apparel brand. However, it’s not like Smith is wearing the tattoo as an apparel accessory to his uniform; it’s inked onto his body as a tattoo he chose, and one he says he was not compensated for.
Smith might have a case if he wanted to fight any fines in court.
