the sports section

J.R. Smith Fined $50,000 for Serial Shoe-Untying

J.R. Smith #8 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2013 in New York City. The Rockets defeat the Knicks 109-106.
Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

NBA headache J.R. Smith of the lowly New York Knicks has been fined $50,000 by the league for “recurring instances of unsportsmanlike conduct.” His offenses this time? Semi-sneakily undoing the shoelaces of opposing-team players during free throws. The nerve of this guy, to disrespect the game of grown men bouncing an orange ball like that. The trouble — just the latest for the chronic rabble-rouser — started on Sunday against Shawn Marion and the Dallas Mavericks. Watch if you dare:

Smith got away with a warning — to “refrain from further conduct of this nature.” Most people would consider themselves lucky and straighten up. But not J.R. Smith. He showed no remorse for his heinous conduct and openly flouted the rules:

Last night, against the Pistons, he re-offended — or at least tried to:

Despite failing to convert, Smith was swiftly charged nearly the median annual household income in the United States. Add it to the list:

J.R. Smith Fined $50,000 for Serial Shoe-Untying