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J.R. Smith of the Cleveland Cavaliers was captured on video this weekend beating up a man who allegedly damaged his truck during protests in Los Angeles.
Smith was parked in a residential area, away from protesting, when the man broke the window of his truck. In the video, Smith is seen delivering a few kicks and blows to the head of the man before his friends step in.
READ MORE: NYPD officer caught displaying ‘white power’ symbol during protest
Smith took to social media to give his account of the incident before other news outlets reported. He said on Instagram Live, “One of the motherfu**king white boys didn’t know where he was going and broke my f**king window in my truck,” Smith said, “I chased him down and whupped his a**.”
Smith said, “This ain’t no hate crime. I ain’t got no problem with nobody who ain’t got no problem with me. It’s a problem with the system. He broke my window, and I whupped his a**.”
The disclaimer was posted likely because the young man who Smith beat up was white.
Currently a free agent, Smith has reportedly re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will return to his former team when the NBA starts playing again.
Smith’s former teammate, LeBron James, has been active on social media also. However, the NBA All-Star has been writing about the protests.
One of his posts, “Why doesn’t America love US!!!!??? TOO,” earned over 180,000 likes.
Why Doesn’t America Love US!!!!!????TOO. ????♂️??♂️ #HeadHighandStayStrong???? #WeAllWeGot✊??
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 31, 2020
READ MORE: Michael Jordan issues statement about George Floyd: ‘I am plain angry’
Throughout his career, James has always been active in speaking out against police brutality. He recently retweeted a post from Jimmy Kimmel which, he said, left him in tears. “I’m so hurtful for my people right this moment.”
The ending has me in tears!!! Literally ??????. This isn’t ok the way we’re treated man! I’m so hurtful for my people right this moment https://t.co/fF0HS6qmed
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 30, 2020
NBA legend, Michael Jordan, released a statement on Sunday condemning police violence. In a rare political stance, Jordan said, “I am deeply saddened, truly pained, and plain angry,” the statement reads, “I stand with those who are calling out ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough.”