J.R. Smith fined $50,000 for 'unsportsmanlike conduct,' untying shoes

J.R. Smith's fascination with untying shoes has earned him a hefty fine from the NBA.

By Drew Garrison Jan 8, 2014, 1:30pm EST

The NBA has fined J.R. Smith $50,000 for recurring instances of unsportsmanlike conduct, the league officially announced. The NBA did not outright specify what earned Smith the fine, though it's fair to assume his recent trend of untying opponents' shoes at the free-throw line is the source of the league's issue.

Posting and Toasting: Smith fined for shoelace antics

Smith untied Shawn Marion's shoe on Sunday while Dirk Nowitzki was shooting free-throws and was warned by the league to stop, though was not fined. He attempted to do it again Tuesday night when the New York Knicks played the Detroit Pistons, reaching down for Greg Monroe's shoelaces, but couldn't snag his target because Monroe moved his foot right when he attempted to grab his laces:

Head coach Mike Woodson also said he would speak with Smith after the first "shoelace" incident, but Smith ignored both warnings and is out $50,000 because of his fascination with untying shoelaces. Untie them once, shame on you. Untie them twice, that'll cost you.