Getty ImagesOn Friday night, 49ers rookie linebacker Aldon Smith, who had 14 sacks in the regular season and two in a pair of playoff games, was arrested for DUI in Miami.
Since our first item on the issue, Smith has been released from custody. But he remains in hot water, both with the authorities and with his team.
The Niners addressed the situation in a statement posted earlier today on the team’s official Twitter page.
“The 49ers are aware of the recent matter involving Aldon Smith,” the team said. “We take these issues very seriously but will reserve further comment at this time, as this is an ongoing legal matter. The 49ers will continue to gather the facts and monitor the developments closely.”
Technically, the team can take no action against Smith. Matters of this nature fall within the jurisdiction of the league’s substance-abuse policy. Unless and until Smith resolves the situation with a finding of guilt, he won’t be subject to punishment.
Channel Finder
Millions and he can’t pay for a cab? How many players are in trouble with the law…it’s clear your football status doesn’t protect you, don’t be the guy….
He’s drinking because he’s depressed. Coach Hairbow made Aldon take a shower with him.
I can assure you the 49er faithful have been doing the same thing and joining Smith in getting drunk all this week after Sunday’s loss….
He made big plays for this team, this season. Saying he is in hot water with the team means the exact opposite. He makes plays so the 49ers don’t care.
99 bottles of beer on the wall!
Is “a finding of guilt” really needed before punishment?
Even if he gets off somehow, he still presumably has a positive test for some level of alcohol in his system while driving.
Just when you think it can’t get any worse, you take another loss and so does the DAYs without an arrest: please reset to zero.
And on to other news….
bad decision, Aldon… glad nobody was hurt. that being said, everyone makes mistakes. I just hope you learn from this one, and use all that money they’re paying you to take a cab home from now on when you drink.
Not good for the player or the team. The question becomes; is this a one-off, bone-headed mistake by Smith, or the first signs of major character issues?
It’d be a shame if it’s the latter as, on the field, the guy has the makings of a great.
You don’t punish someone with 16 sacks.
Jim Harbaugh says it’s another example of the NFL’s ongoing conspiracy against him personally and the 49ers by extension.
Not only did they cheat him into 4 losses, they also brazenly assessed penalties on his team … when everyone one knows not one of them was justified.
He also went on to explain how the solar system revolves around him and not the sun as previously reported … citing Copernicus as an agent of Roger Goodell.
@jenniferxxx…. you seem excessively obsessed with Jim Harbaugh, making the same point over and over again. Please try to be original and write something new. Regarding Aldon, he seems like a good kid who made a mistake that hopefully he will learn from. I’m sure his family and team mates will guide him.
@jenniferxxx I have no idea where you draw your ridiculous conclusions from.
MIZ-DUI!
16 sacks…..in the NFL…yeah I am sure he will be suspended for many games……lol…yeah right
Jim Harbaugh is even angrier than normal
Aldon Smith reflects the criminal element that plays for the 49ers.
jenniferxxx says:
Jan 29, 2012 6:29 AM
Jim Harbaugh says it’s another example of the NFL’s ongoing conspiracy against him personally and the 49ers by extension.
Not only did they cheat him into 4 losses, they also brazenly assessed penalties on his team … when everyone one knows not one of them was justified.
He also went on to explain how the solar system revolves around him and not the sun as previously reported … citing Copernicus as an agent of Roger Goodell.
Give it a rest already. We all get it. You hate a person you’ve never even met. Good plan. Derrrrrrrrrr.
COP “Have you been drinking tonight sir?”
AS “kahbflubeuioncqcoubmll?”
COP “Please step out of the car sir”
AS “ok”
Stupid. He should have been at the pro bowl where he couldn’t possibly have gotten in any trouble.
If Suh gets suspended 2 games for kicking somebody, Aldon should be suspended at least 6 games for driving drunk and putting lives in danger.