Smith in an Instagram post alluded to the NBA targeting him specifically NBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Cavaliers G J.R. Smith said that he "hasn't contacted the league regarding the 'Supreme' tattoo on his right calf that they asked him to cover up," and he "doesn't plan on having that conversation," according to Chris Fedor of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. Smith was "notified by the league office on Sept. 30 that he would have to cover it up or get fined." In an Instagram response, Smith "alluded to the league targeting him specifically and allowing other NBA players to get away with branding." Smith said the league told him the issue with the tattoo was "branding." Smith: "But I'm not the only person with brands on me so it's more than that. I know that. They know that. Everyone knows that." For the Cavaliers-Celtics preseason game last night, Smith's socks "covered up about half [of] the tattoo, with the 'S-u-p-r' the only portion visible." Smith has "yet to decide what -- if anything -- he will use to keep it hidden consistently" throughout the season to "appease the league office" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 10/3). ESPN's Jalen Rose said the situation with Smith is a "unique, slippery slope" because everything "you put on yourself as a tattoo is an advertisement." ESPN's Mike Greenberg: "I understand why they feel this one's different." Rose: "Because they're not getting paid for it" ("Get Up," ESPN, 10/3).
