Basketball: J.R. Smith won't be suspended for sulking on bench

DENVER - The Denver Nuggets have decided not to suspend J.R. Smith over his behavior on the bench that rubbed management the wrong way.

Smith will be allowed to play against Charlotte on Monday night, although Rex Chapman, vice president of player personnel, didn't rule out some sort of punishment for the guard.

Smith, who has been mired in a prolonged shooting slump, sulked on the bench Saturday night, when he played a season-low 12 minutes and scored just three points in a win over New Orleans.

Nuggets coach George Karl said Smith will come off the bench, as usual, against the Bobcats. Star forward Carmelo Anthony will miss the game with a sprained left ankle and Joey Graham will start in his place, Karl said.