It looks like All-Pro linebacker, Aldon Smith, received an early birthday present from the 49ers. According to CBS Sports, he’ll be dodging a disciplinary bullet as NFL officials haven’t show any indication of plans to take any reprimanding actions in response to his recent behavior. At least they haven’t as of yet.
For those who don’t know, Smith, 23, encountered a single vehicle accident in San Jose, CA when his pick-up truck hit a tree, and a curb, leaving skid-marks near the sidewalk and a resident’s driveway. Smith was arrested upon suspicion of driving under the influence, in addition to Possession of Marijuana. The San Jose police received a call around 7:00am from a resident in the Silver Creek area. The call was in regards to the crash, said Sgt. Heather Randol. However, when they arrived there was a little more to the incident than the obvious crash. “They conducted an investigation and determined he was under the influence. He was the only person in the vehicle,” Randol said.
He was released late Friday morning after posting a $5,520 bond with the Santa Clara County jail. Later that afternoon, Smith joined his teammate on the practice field at the 49ers’ headquarters also located in Santa Clara. His court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4. He declined commenting on the arrest when questioned by reporters. But, 49ers head coach, Jim Harbaugh, did address reporters in regards to his own expectations of Smith. “I expect Aldon — like today — he’ll be back to work and playing on Sunday” said Harbaugh.
Harbaugh also went on to specify that if and when disciplinary actions are enforced, NFL officials will most likely take the reins. “I anticipate that, yes. There will be consequences. There always is. Good or bad, we all have consequences,” admitted Harbaugh. As Smith is no stranger to run-ins with the law, more than likely the NFL will take re-percussive action. However, SI Wire has reported that Smith could end up in drug rehabilitation ‘as early as this week,’ according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. Under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement and substance-abuse policy, Smith cannot be suspended by the 49ers. So, he is protected to some extent, however, more than likely some action will be taken to rectify Smith’s substance-abuse problems.
Image via NFL
