San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke said Tuesday night that the 49ers had been planning to sign the linebacker beyond this season despite his troubled past. According to CSN Bay Area, Smith was “booked in Santa Clara County jail” on Friday morning after being arrested for a DUI and a hit and run accident.
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Smith missed time the previous season to undergo treatment at an inpatient facility following his DUI arrest on September 20, 2013.
Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith will likely face league discipline after his latest arrest.
From the team prospective, coach Jim Tomsula claims the team needs 100% of Smith’s committment in regards to football. Smith has 44 sacks in 50 games and he has been a very productive player in his career. “Guys care about him, we care about that man, deeply”. “If one person out there reads this and you’re struggling, get help”.
Smith had said when camp began he was healthy and in great shape, “ready to go”. Although Smith appeared to be fighting and working to stay on the right path, he just has been obviously unable to fight his ongoing battle with alcohol abuse. In terms of him playing football again, I sure hope so.
Smith was arrested on suspicion of DUI in January of 2012, although the charge was later reduced to reckless driving.
The vandalism charge, Clarke said, is for when Smith’s auto door banged into another vehicle in the complex lot. “I’m sorry for anybody I let down, I’m sorry for the way this whole thing…”
“Get the help”, he said, “and although Aldon will not be playing, we will support him”. And I apologize to everybody I did let down and I apologize for how it all played out.
Smith’s contract was also set to expire after this season, but even with his past incidents, a future contract figured to be team-friendly. “Officers administered a field sobriety test to Smith and arrested him”. In June 2012, he then faced three felony weapons charges that stemmed from a party in his home.
Reid said the news is upsetting and pointed out that it represents a larger issue than simply how the loss of a dominant pass rusher hurts the team.
Tomsula said the team treats each individual on a “consistent” basis and tries to find help for them. As far as everything’s concerned, it will work out how it’s supposed to work out.
Smith finished with 8½ sacks and 34 tackles in 11 games in 2013, making eight starts. I think he’s doing an outstanding job.
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But while Baalke may just want all he can out of Smith, others are looking out for him.
