SUMMARY
- Dorian Finney-Smith experienced a heartwarming reunion with his father, Elbert Smith, after almost thirty years.
- This timing around Christmas made it an unforgettable holiday for the Finney-Smith family.
Dorian Finney-Smith, the renowned Brooklyn Nets player recently reunited with his father, Elbert Smith, after nearly thirty years. This reunion, which took place outside the Greensville Correctional Center in Virginia, is a big moment in both their lives, especially for Dorian who last saw his father when he was just a toddler.
Elbert Smith’s release from prison, where he had been serving a sentence for almost 30 years. This moment came perfectly at the time of Christmas making it an unforgettable one for the Finney-Smith family. Dorian Finney-Smith, expressing his happiness, told the Dallas Morning News, “He’s here for Christmas; that’s what matters. This is the best Christmas gift I’ve ever gotten. Besides the births of my kids, this is up there with the best days I’ve ever had.”
Dorian Finney-Smith has been reunited with his father after almost 30 years in prison, per @townbrad. 💙
Finney-Smith’s former team, the Mavericks helped secure his father’s release and was granted parole in July. pic.twitter.com/yFgKVTiUwn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 20, 2023
The release was helped by an active effort from Dorian’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The franchise played an important role in Elbert’s release, with Mark Cuban, GM Nico Harrison, and other leaders providing written testimonials during Smith’s hearing. Their support highlighted Finney-Smith’s character and had a big influence on the proceedings.
During the hearing, Harrison and Jason Lutin, chief of staff at Mark Cuban Companies were with Finney-Smith and former head coach Rick Carlisle was present virtually. Also, former Virginia Attorney General Jerry Kilgore played a key role, handling the case pro bono and making a plan for Elbert Smith’s reintegration into society.
Why Elbert Smith was sent to prison
Elbert Smith was arrested and convicted of distributing cocaine. However, a more severe incident in 1995 changed his life. On January 25 of that year, Smith, along with Diefen McGann, engaged in a serious fight with Willie Anderson II over a debt collection. Unfortunately, Anderson died in this fight, with McGann firing the final shots.
Although Smith was not the one who fired the shots, his involvement in the incident led to severe legal consequences. Initially, both he and McGann were offered plea deals for voluntary manslaughter. McGann accepted, receiving a five-year sentence. However, Smith advised by his attorney declined the deal, a decision that proved costly.
How Mavericks helped Dorian Finney-Smith secure father’s parole after 29 years in prison https://t.co/spyjWZt91A
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) July 27, 2023
During his trial, Smith was found guilty of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use in commission of a firearm. He was sentenced to a 44-year prison term. His release, after almost thirty years behind bars, was largely due to the efforts of the Dallas Mavericks organization and Jerry Kilgore. This support from the Mavericks shows that they see their players as individuals and not just as assets.