THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, August 7, 1996             TAG: 9608070327
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS 
                                            LENGTH:   50 lines

SMITH LAMENTS LOSS OF SQUEAKY-CLEAN IMAGE THE BASKETBALL STAR WANTS TO TELL HIS SIDE, BUT HIS LAWYER HAS ADVISED HIM NOT TO.

Joe Smith, the NBA player from Norfolk with the previously squeaky-clean image, is concerned how people perceive him now that he has been charged in a July 26 bar fight.

He also knows that even if - or when, in Smith's mind - his claims of innocence are borne out and the felony malicious wounding charge against him is dropped, damage has been done.

``You don't know how badly I want to call a press conference and tell my side,'' the Golden State Warriors forward told the San Jose Mercury News last Saturday in his first public comments since the incident at a nightclub in the South Norfolk section of Chesapeake. ``I went through an entire NBA season, and people paid special attention to my composure and how I carried myself.

``And now, just because one person says how I'm this bad guy, everybody is believing it. And the truth hasn't even come out yet.''

Smith has been advised by attorney David Delpierre not to discuss the specifics of the incident that occurred at Ridley's Restaurant and Lounge. Dancer Carlton Coney says Smith struck him with a beer bottle, opening a gash that required 22 stitches.

Smith was arraigned last Wednesday, and a preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 16. He could face five to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Smith said he has learned from the fallout surrounding the incident.

``I definitely look at things and why people approach me totally different now.''

He also hopes fans reserve judgment on him until the case is settled.

``The people around here know that's not me. They're just wishing me the best. They know I'm not the kind of person to go off my head and risk everything I've got. I worked too hard for this.''

But he knows there will be those who will look at him differently now, no matter what happens with the case.

``Before, I was one of the good guys of the NBA, and now I've got the label as one of the bad guys of the NBA. And it seems like people are believing it.'' MEMO: This story was compiled from reports by staff writer Steve Carlson

and the San Jose Mercury News. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

Joe Smith

KEYWORDS: ASSAULT MALICIOUS WOUNDING by CNB