New York Knicks guard JR Smith wishes people — fans, media, his employer — weren’t so uptight when it comes to his behavior. After all, he’s just goofing around. Per the NY Post:

Essentially, Smith showed little remorse and said he’s “extremely surprised” by the backlash against him.

“I see both sides of it,” said Smith at the morning shootaround at Temple, ahead of going 5-for-8 from the field in a 14-point effort as the Knicks cruised past the 76ers, 102-92.

“I’ve been doing it four, five years. I’ve only seen it from the joking side. It is what it is. I guess some people don’t have a sense of humor.” […] “(Head coach Mike Woodson’s) been telling me [to grow up] since I got here,” Smith said. “Honestly, growing up I really don’t understand the true meaning of it. I’ve been misunderstood my whole life. It’s not going to change now.”