MTD LT 1238 riding lawn mower wont go into neutral. I always had to use muscle to get in reverse?

Question:A friend put blades on for me but forgot to secure left side of deck. I mowed a few times. Then suddenly it started smoking(smelt like belt burning) It wouldnt stop, I had to shut it off. The blade belt was sideways, I fixed that, but it still wont stop. could the blade belt being run sideways have anything to do with it.? Thanx

Answers:
Make sure the belt is on the right side of the idler pulley that releases the tension on the belt that starts and stops it or check your idler to see if it is locked up