Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith accused of choking high school student

NEW YORK, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- J.R. Smith allegedly pushed and choked a 19-year-old this month in New York, according to a New York Daily News report.

The Cleveland Cavaliers guard has not been arrested for the alleged incident, which occurred at 4 a.m. outside Artichoke Basille's Pizza.

Teenager Justin Brown told police that he was with two friends when Smith turned down a request to take a photo, according to the Daily News' Shayna Jacobs and Rocco Parascandola.

Brown told police that Smith responded to his remark: "That's why New York kicked you out, yo!" In his alleged response, Brown said Smith "checked the teen against the building and put his hands around the high school student's neck," the Daily News reported.

Smith tweeted Friday: "Don't believe everything you read!"

Smith was traded from the New York Knicks to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. The Cavaliers played the Knicks in New York on Nov. 13.

Smith's attorney, Alex Spiro, said that Brown's allegations are "absolutely false."

"We don't believe he's going to be charged," Spiro told ESPN.

Smith is averaging 8.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Cavaliers this season. The 12-year veteran averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Cavaliers last season.

"We are aware of the story and have spoken to J.R. about it," Cavs general manager David Griffin told ESPN. "J.R.'s attorney has issued a statement on the matter and there will be no further comment from the team on this at this point."