Nuggets suspend J.R. Smith for 3 games

Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was suspended for the first three games of
the regular season "for conduct detrimental to the team."

Nuggets player personnel director Mark Warkentien declined on Saturday to
specify Smith's transgression.

"I take full responsibility for my actions that led to this suspension,"
Smith said in an apology distributed by the team. "I realize that the
organization wants to help me become not only a better player, but also the best
person I can off the court.

"I apologize to my teammates, the coaching staff, my family and Nuggets fans.
I promise to learn from this situation and look forward to returning shortly and
being the best teammate I possibly can."

Smith served a 10-game suspension last year for his role in a fight with the
New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and was injured in a car crash last
summer in New Jersey that killed his friend, Andre Bell, 21.

Smith, who drew coach George Karl's ire last year for firing up long
jumpshots in the playoffs, will miss Denver's opener Oct. 31 against Seattle, as
well as games at Minnesota on Nov. 2 and home against New Orleans on Nov.
4.