Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith ranted about the NBA's threat to discipline him if he does not cover up his new tattoo on his back leg.

"NBA rules prohibit players from displaying any commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair," league spokesman Mike Bass said.

Smith's tattoo is of the logo for Supreme, a New York-based streetwear company.

Smith went on Instagram to voice his displeasure, writing: "So I was informed today that I would be fined every game if I don't cover up my 'SUPREME TATTOO' on my legs during games!!" Smith wrote, punctuating the sentence with three crying laughing emojis. "These people in the league office are something else!"

The veteran guard finished the post with a middle finger emoji, before adding:

"I swear I'm the only person they do (expletive) like this to," he wrote. "So you mean to tell me I have to cover up my tattoo for what? You don't make people cover up Jordan logos, NIKE checks or anything else but because it's me it's a problem all of a sudden!!! (expletive) whack."

Other NBA players have similar tattoos, although not as controversial as Smith's. Marcin Gortat, for instance, has the Michael Jordan Jumpman logo as a tattoo even though he is not sponsored by Nike.

Smith wore a sleeve of the Supreme brand last season but was not suspended. The NBA offered no further comment.

The Cavaliers open the 2018-19 season on Oct. 17 against the Raptors.